From the start, seven riders chose to attack. It turned out to become a textbook sprinters’ race. The leading group got a maximum advantage of six minutes, after which the sprinters’ teams slowly closed the gap.

“This was the most boring stage so far”, team manager Arthur van Dongen said. “It was a long stage with an easy course and the wind was not enough to break up the peloton. The leader’s team and the sprinters’ teams had the race well under control. We made sure Tobias stayed out of danger and that he could finish nicely in the peloton. We are happy that we have now stayed without problems after yesterday’s setback.”

According to Van Dongen, there are opportunities for leader Foss during the last two stages. “Tomorrow, there is a long time trial, which should suit Tobias well. He does have some pain in his shoulder and elbow, so we’ll have to wait and see how good he will be on the time trial bike. He didn’t have too many complaints today, so we hope he can show himself tomorrow and Sunday. The race is not over yet, far from it.”