The only stage on Dutch soil took place in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, where a short and flat race against the clock awaited the riders. Foss got off to an early start and was third fastest when he crossed the line. About an hour and a half later, the 2022 world champion's time was good enough for ninth place.

"It was decent", sports director Maarten Wynants summed up the day. "Tobias performed at the level of the last few weeks, and Olav also did well. We had hoped he would lose less time, but in the end, the wind got stronger and stronger, which was not to his advantage. We expected more from Edoardo. He didn't have a good day and lost pace in the second part."

Anything is still possible in the standings, according to Wynants. "There are a lot of classics specialists at the top of the standings. Tobias has to try to stay in the front group. It's not up to us to force anything. We will wait and let the other teams do the work. I expect an open battle tomorrow."