During this tough test, the riders completed eight laps of eight kilometres, including two climbs in each lap. The finish was at the highest point in the Netherlands, the Vaalserberg.

“It was a really tough race”, Bouwman said. “It was much more difficult than last year’s. We rode it the other way around this time. The goal was to gather points with three riders. We were partially successful at that. In the beginning, Antwan and I were very active and we were able to gather the necessary points. Just before halfway, the race exploded and I was able to join the breakaway. I collected points in almost every lap, but not too many. In the last lap I gave everything I had because of the double points, hoping that we could move up some places in the general standings.”

Tomorrow, the Hammer Series in Limburg will continue with the Hammer Sprint at the Tom Dumoulin bike park in Sittard.