The 166.8-kilometer stage from Niederkorn to Junglinster took the peloton over several climbs, including the Montée Wuermer Mauer, Montée de Berdorf and Montée de Waldbillig. An early breakaway was given some room, but remained within reach of the peloton throughout the stage.

The gap continued to come down in the finale, and the final breakaway riders were eventually caught on the local circuit in Junglinster. A two-rider attack added some tension in the closing kilometers, but they too were brought back with the finish approaching.

That set up a bunch sprint for the win, with Kielich well positioned and able to sprint for victory. He ultimately finished a close second behind Van den Bergh, securing his best result of the season so far.

“I came alongside Van den Bergh with 150 meters to go, but I just couldn’t get past him. It feels good to be back fighting for the win. After two broken collarbones, it has been a long and difficult road back. To immediately have the trust of the team again and to see everyone working so hard for me means a lot and gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”

The second-place finish was also the result of strong teamwork in the finale, according to sports director Gaëtan Pons. “After our good result yesterday, it gave us a lot of confidence as a team heading into today’s stage. Per’s lead-out was perfect and Timo rode a great sprint. This is his best result of the year, so we can be happy with that.”

With a second-place finish under their belt, the team now looks ahead to the next stage with confidence. The so-called queen stage features plenty of climbing, narrow roads and a challenging finale.