Danny van Poppel has left a strong impression in the final of the EuroEyes Cyclassics in Hamburg. The 25-year-old Dutchman of Team LottoNL-Jumbo attacked on the Waseberg deep in the final, after which he and his fellow breakaway companions were caught in the last four kilometres. Van Poppel was still well-placed for the sprint, but his chance on a good result got ruined after a crash by Pascal Ackermann in the final kilometre.

Sports director Merijn Zeeman was very happy with his team’s performance today. “The plan was to make the race hard in the final and then it was up to Danny on the Waseberg. That is why the boys took the initiative. They’ve done a perfect job in chasing down the breakaway and by putting Danny in a good position at the bottom of the Waseberg. In a smaller group, he has more chances to win than in a bunch sprint against men like Viviani. Unfortunately, Bora and QuickStep quickly took control of the bunch after which the breakaway got caught. It was the perfect scenario for us. Danny still had the legs to sprint, but a crash from Ackermann prevented that. I’m proud of the way the team has raced today. After a lesser Tour of Poland, this is a confirmation for Danny that his shape is heading into the right direction towards the Vuelta.”