The second stage was controlled by the sprinter teams. An early breakaway didn’t get much of a lead and got caught in the final. In the hectic last kilometres Groenewegen was brought into a good position by Edoardo Affini and David Dekker. In the overall standings nothing changed. Affini remains second, followed by Foss. Van Emden is also in the top ten in seventh place.

“I have to be satisfied with this fourth place after nine months of absence”, Groenewegen said. “Though I am still a bit disappointed. I am a winner and I always want to achieve more. But the fourth place in my first sprint is certainly not that bad. My legs are feeling good, so I’m looking forward to the next sprint. The team did very well today. This is my first time with Dekker and Affini. That is something I have to get used to, but due to them I was placed in a very good position. The sprint went quite well and better than expected. Maybe I should have started earlier or maybe I should have hesitated a little less. I just have to get that old feeling back as well as my self-confidence.”