On the 210-kilometre ride from Camaiore to Follonica, five leaders broke away from the peloton, which initially took it easy. The tempo significantly increased in the last kilometres, and the leaders were caught in no time.

Wout van Aert, Dylan van Baarle, and Koen Bouwman, in particular, ensured the classification leaders stayed out of trouble and did not lose time during the hectic final phase.

Sports director Frans Maassen looked back on the stage with satisfaction. "It was a nervous ride with a dangerous final. Wout had previously stated that he didn't want to sprint because he wanted to focus on the classification riders. The guys did an excellent job and stepped up at the crucial moments."

The peloton will face a stage tomorrow that is similar to today's, with little altimetres. Tiesj Benoot, one of Team Jumbo-Visma's leaders, anticipates little differences tomorrow and eagerly anticipates the rest of the week.

"With Wilco, Primoz, and I, we have several riders who can ride a good classification. That will be necessary too because the level here is very high. Personally, I look at how I am doing day by day. With the impending classics, I don't think it will be a disadvantage for me to go deep this week."