In the longest stage of this stage race, Van Poppel was positioned well for the final climb by his teammates of Team Jumbo-Visma, but the Dutchman couldn’t out sprint Trentin on the finish line.

“I cannot be dissatisfied with this second place”, Van Poppel said. “Today was a very long stage with a lot of headwind. The final was difficult and hectic, but it went very well. We do not really have the team here for a good lead out, but we still tried with a few guys. Steven and Pascal did a good job by bringing me in Trentin’s wheel. In a ‘sprint of dying swans’ I came close. Unfortunately it was just a little too late. Of course it’s a pity, because you want to win. On the other hand, I am on track with regard to the classics.”

Sports-director Sierk-Jan de Haan concurred with Van Poppel’s explanation. “The team did a great job today. First, Daan, who helped to catch the early breakaway, and then the others guys who brought Danny into Trentin’s wheel. Of course you always want to win, but getting beaten by a rider like Trentin is nothing to be ashamed of. We have certainly taken morale out of this.”