Gesink started today's race wearing the leader's jersey after the team time trial on Friday night. "I've had a fantastic day”, the Dutchman said after his red day. "I rode 150 kilometres with a smile, the last 25 kilometres I rode with a grimace."

From the start in 's-Hertogenbosch, many people were along the course. The crowd saw five riders escape, but they were caught in time for a bunch sprint. The fact that it was busy along the route had not escaped Gesink. "It was bizarre. There were so many people. It was satisfying for the team as well as for me. It's just fantastic to ride in the leader's jersey in our own country.”

In the sprint, Teunissen was finally allowed to go for his chances. "It was important to stay with Primoz first. We had lost each other for a while. Eventually, Edoardo and Primoz came back to me. Then I heard Grischa say that Primoz was safe and I could take my chances. It was tough, but I managed."

"It's a special feeling, wearing this jersey in your own country. Yesterday also felt special, but now even more so”, the new red jersey wearer continued. "We wanted to try and have me take the jersey today. I thank the team for that. It is super nice. It moves me”, said Teunissen, who will wear the leader's jersey in a grand tour again after the yellow jersey at the 2019 Tour de France.