Team LottoNL-Jumbo has finished a combative Clasica San Sebastian with three riders in the top ten. In the Spanish classic, Robert Gesink, Steven Kruijswijk and Antwan Tolhoek finished eighth, ninth and tenth respectively. Primoz Roglic was involved in a massive crash in the last twenty kilometres of the race and could no longer compete for the victory. It seems that Roglic has no severe injuries.

Despite the crash of race favourite Roglic, Team LottoNL-Jumbo was very active throughout the race. Paul Martens, Bert-Jan Lindeman and Bram Tankink ensured that the breakaway was kept under control and that they dropped off the climbers in the best possible position at the ascent of the Jaizkibel. Both Kruijswijk and Antwan Tolhoek attacked several times. The latter did so deep in the final on the Alto de Murgil. After the race, Tolhoek was proclaimed the best young rider.

Sports director Frans Maassen was, above all, relieved that Roglic’ injuries weren’t too bad. “We expected a lot today with Primoz. When he subsequently crashes out of the race, then this is a big disappointment. But the injuries aren’t too bad, so I’m glad about that.”

Despite the disappointment, Maassen thought his team had been very strong again. “The way the race evolved was great for us. We still had our four climbers in the leading group after the Jaizkibel. Stevie and Antwan attacked a few times to give Primoz some rest so he could save himself for the final climb. Unfortunately, that failed because of the crash. But the boys did well and rode an excellent race. With three riders in the top ten we should not be dissatisfied, although the disappointment remains due to the crash of our team captain.”

Steven Kruijswijk agrees with his director. “Primoz was our leader today. So that was definitely a big downer. Until then we had it under control and as a collective we were riding very strongly. After the crash, we picked it up well as all three of us attacked in the final. I tried to go for the third place, but more than this wasn’t possible anymore.”