“I think I can be happy with this result”, Kruijswijk said. “You always hope for more, but I’ve given my all. The feeling was good. It was a very difficult course with lots of climbing and long wide descents. Tomorrow will be another very difficult stage during which anything can happen.”

Sports director Frans Maassen had witnessed an excellent final climb by his team leader. “Steven rode a great time trial and he rode a very strong final climb. All the GC guys finished within seconds of each other today. Many things can still happen regarding the overall standings. Tomorrow will be a short, but tough stage with two major climbs. I expect the GC guys to attack each other all the way. We are looking forward to it.”