After two successful first days, in which Christophe Laporte sprinted to a second and fourth place, the Dutch cycling team started the longest stage of the five-day stage race in Luxembourg full of confidence. The Frenchman, second in the general classification, quickly saw that a top ranking in the final classification would not be possible. Sports director Maarten Wynants explains: “We were already afraid that it would be tough for Christophe today. During the race he indicated that he was not feeling very well. After that, we went all out for Bart and Wilco.”

After several attacks by both Dutch riders, an escape attempt by Vansevenant and Davide Formolo did find its way to the finish in Diekirch. In the chasing group, Lemmen sprinted to fifth place, Kelderman crossed the finish line eighth. “It was good to see that Bart and Wilco both tried to attack on the local laps. That they are both so strong is promising for the final weekend. Our best time trialists are still close in the general classification”, Wynants knows.

Lemmen, eighth in the general classification after today, already showed himself in the front in last week’s races in Canada and is now also showing his good form closer to home. “I am in a good shape, but as always we are taking it day by day. Hopefully I will ride a good time trial tomorrow.” After the time trial of over fifteen kilometres, a tough final stage awaits the riders on Sunday.

“It’s nice that we have several cards to play in the final weekend. Wilco is also showing his class here and the atmosphere in the team is very good. Today we took a lot of responsibility as a team in the race”, the 28-year-old rider says. Next week, in his debut year in the WorldTour, Lemmen will ride his first World Championships on behalf of the Netherlands. "I am really looking forward to that of course, but first we have to finish well in Luxembourg."