The German stage race got underway with an ultra-fast prologue of just over two and a half kilometers. Louis Barré, Bart Lemmen and Wilco Kelderman were closely matched, recording almost identical times. Barré was Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s best-placed rider in 35th, losing just under fourteen seconds to stage winner Del Toro.

"We were a bit unlucky with the weather. We deliberately put Louis, Bart and Wilco early in the starting order because rain was forecast for later in the afternoon. Unfortunately, it turned out the other way around and all three had to ride their prologue in the rain", says sports director Gaëtan Pons.

"The wet and slippery roads made it quite tricky, especially with the sharp corners on the course. The positive is that everyone made it safely to the finish and is motivated for the next stage. The gaps are small, so there is still a lot possible."

According to Pons, the team’s main focus this week is to win a stage. "We may not have the outright favorite in our team, but with Louis, Bart and Wilco we have a strong team at the start. Looking at their performances in the Tour de Pologne, I definitely think we can go for a stage win here."