Sports director Carmen Small saw that the pace in the peloton was not very high today. “The speed only picked up in the last twenty kilometres. We knew the stage would end in a bunch sprint, so we were prepared for it. Karlijn came in sixth and that’s a good result. We want more podium places in the next few days, but it was a great race.”

In the peloton, there were a few small crashes. Unlike yesterday, no Team Jumbo-Visma riders were involved. “Thank goodness we weren’t. It’s great that Noemi (Rüegg) and Riejanne (Markus) are feeling better today. Even though Riejanne is behind in the standings, the game is far from over”, Small said.

The race coach was excited for the next few days. “The time trial will be crucial. Perhaps Riejanne can get some time back there. Anna (Henderson) and Karlijn are also good at the time trial and are currently near the top of the standings.”

Tomorrow will be the last sprint stage of this six-day stage race. More polka dot jersey points will be up for grabs. Small: “The polka dot jersey was not our main goal, but perhaps we will go for it again tomorrow with Karlijn.”