The stage to Goriza was interrupted early on by a major crash. Edoardo Affini, Foss and Van Emden were involved. The Dutchman was taken to hospital with abrasions and pain in the ribs for further examination. The other riders of the black and yellow formation emerged unharmed and were able to resume the stage.

After a neutralisation, the stage was restarted. A front group of fifteen riders managed to escape. They were given the freedom to go for the stage win.

Sports director Arthur van Dongen looked back on a difficult day. “For us it was not the best stage today. After all the days we tried to be in the breakaways, our plan today was to save our forces a bit for the tough final week ahead. We knew there would be a strong wind at the start of the race. Jos and Edoardo had the task of bringing Tobias through this as well as possible. Then that massive crash happened and we lost Jos. It is of course a great pity that we have to miss such an important rider in the last week. Not only for the team, but especially for Jos himself. He was in very good shape and could support the team very well. Fortunately he is doing well, considering the circumstances.”