The stage towards Follonica went up and down. Eenkhoorn felt strong and took the win of the intermediate sprint along the way. On the vicious final climb, Eenkhoorn was caught up by the bunch, together with his fellow-escapees. From that moment on, one attack after the other followed and the peloton broke into pieces.

“I felt good today. In the beginning there was a lot of jumping to get away, but I got along with them pretty quickly. Then I was in the leading group with eight riders who cooperated very smoothly. We stayed ahead for a long time, but the final was just too difficult”, Eenkhoorn said.

Sports director Addy Engels spoke of a great day for his team. “Pascal was in a nice breakaway. It is always difficult to make such an attempt succeed, but in these kinds of rides we have to keep trying things this way.”