Antwan Tolhoek has been able to compete with the favourites in the first mountain stage of the Dauphiné. Up to one kilometre from the finish line, the 24-year-old Dutchman was part of the leading group. He ultimately became 20th.

It wasn’t an easy day, because with Floris De Tier, who didn’t start, and Jos van Emden, who abandoned early in the stage, Team LottoNL-Jumbo lost two more riders. Yet, Tolhoek could count on the support of Sepp Kuss for a long time. He only saw his teammate ride away with the favourites in the final.

“He was in good shape”, Tolhoek referred to Kuss. “That’s nice to see. I think that together we can get far in the coming days. I felt good today, especially at the beginning of the stage. During the last ascent I had to go deep, but I could climb with the best. It promises to be tough, but beautiful, in the coming days."