A group of twelve escapees gathered a four-minute lead. Gijs Leemreize, Timo Roosen and Michel Hessmann were strong today. The trio rode in the lead of the pack for several kilometres. Thanks to the trio, the leading group never got a big lead. Classification leader Dennis was surrounded by several teammates throughout the stage.

As the challenging stage’s final climbs approached, Robert Gesink, Steven Kruijswijk and Sepp Kuss took control of the race. With a strong effort, the latter ensured a considerably thinned peloton on the last climb. Dennis showed that he wanted to go for the stage victory in the last kilometres. In an explosive sprint on an ascending road, the Australian finished eleventh, three seconds behind day winner Sergio Higuita. Dennis is fifteen seconds ahead of his first competitor in the general classification.

“The entire team rode extremely well”, sports director Merijn Zeeman said. “The stage went completely according to plan. Michel and Timo rode along with the best, well into the stage. Then Gijs took over and he did so with flying colours. Then on the last climb, it was up to Robert, Steven and Sepp to bring Rohan to the finish well. It is unbelievably beautiful to see how Rohan holds up among the best climbers. Tomorrow we will do everything to win the Tour de Romandie with Rohan.”