Ryan finished sixth overall in the Slovakian stage race. The result was good enough for the 20-year-old Irishman, usually riding for the Jumbo-Visma Development Team, to win the youth classification.

Before the final stage, there was still plenty of tension in the battle for the overall victory. Bouwman started it three seconds behind classification leader Cerny, although in principle, he could close that gap with the help of bonification seconds. However, the excitement proved short-lived. "Our plans could already be binned after the first intermediate sprint”, sports director Maarten Wynants said. "At the first intermediate sprint, Cerny took all points and Koen none. Then on the first climb, we tried to attack, but in vain."

In the end, Team Jumbo-Visma maintained their composure, and an early breakaway rider took the win. Wynants looked back on the past few days in Slovakia. "The intention was to give the young riders opportunities. They seized those opportunities with both hands. It's encouraging to see these guys grow and pursue their goals. It was also a perfect chance for Koen to resume racing following an injury. Returning with a stage win and third place in the general classification is excellent."