Relatively little happened in the flat, short stage from Ravenna to Modena. A breakaway group that attacked from the start was easily controlled by the sprinter teams. Roglic was well-protected in the front all day long and was guided through the dangerous last kilometres by Jos van Emden, Paul Martens and Tom Leezer.

“It was a short stage in which little happened, but the final was a nervous affair”, sports director Jan Boven explained. “Because the peloton rode very compactly and at a high speed in the final, you constantly had to pay attention. The team did a great job. First by guiding Primoz through the last three kilometres without problems and then to stay out of trouble when that crash occurred. All in all it was a good day. I expect a similar scenario tomorrow. Although the stage is much longer and there will be more wind.”