Seven riders attacked early in the stage, but that attempt caused Team Jumbo-Visma little concern. The classification and sprinters' teams kept control on the hilly roads and the attackers were caught a few kilometres from the finish line. In the hectic final, his teammates supported Jonas Vingegaard well.

Sports director Marc Reef: "The task was to get across the line in one piece and we managed. Tomorrow will be a completely different day. That's a stage for the classification riders. The finish is very tricky, so I expect the classification teams in front there. We want to drop Jonas off in a good position and go for success with him."

The sports director watched Vingegaard and Milan Vader return to the peloton. "Following a break from racing, Milan and Jonas are in excellent condition. Jonas demonstrated it on the climb yesterday and Milan has already experienced well what it's like to ride in the peloton again. They both made it through the first few days, so we are now eagerly anticipating the upcoming stages where there will be more climbing to do."