After three attackers were caught with 50 kilometres to go, the race opened up. Among others, Per Strand Hagenes showed his attacking spirit and tried to force a breakaway. However, the peloton did not let the young Norwegian go and a bunch sprint was inevitable.

Van Dijke went for his own chance and showed he had a good sprint. He came on strong in the final metres, but just missed out on a podium spot. Jordi Meeus sprinted to the day's victory.

"I think the last time I sprinted for myself was three years ago", Van Dijke said. "Normally I work in preparation for the sprint of Olav Kooij, so it took some getting used to. I had hoped before the race that I would get to sprinting and although I started a bit too late, I still came close in the last hundred metres. All in all, I rode a good sprint and gained experience."

According to Van Dijke, everyone had a free role today. "With Per we have someone who can win races of this level. In the final he tried to force something, but we soon realized it was going to be a bunch sprint. Unfortunately Jesse and I lost each other in the last kilometre, but overall we all stuck to the plan well."

Van Dijke knows the next few days are going to be a lot more challenging. "Our goal is to win a stage. Today's stage ended as expected in a bunch sprint, but the rest of the week will be really tough. Per and I hope to play a significant role in the finals, but Jesse and Julien are also in good shape. We're just going to work together as well as we can and then we'll see how far we can go."

Team Visma | Lease a Bike suffered an immediate setback today as well, with Loe van Belle dropping out. The young Dutchman crashed hard on a cobbled section and was unable to continue the race.