The final seemed to be heading for a bunch sprint, but in the last hectic kilometres, three riders, including Tim van Dijke, closed a gap on the peloton. With his twin brother Mick and teammate Olav Kooij in pursuit, the young rider from Zeeland was in an ideal position. The trio’s lead was small, but it was just enough to sprint among themselves for the stage victory.

“This victory means a lot to me. I didn’t see this coming at all”, Van Dijke acknowledged. “I enjoyed this race in Croatia. It is a nice conclusion to the season. It started anything but promising due to a crash during a training camp, but it ends sweet. I am thrilled.”

For Van Dijke it is his second victory of the season, after his national title on the road. For Team Jumbo-Visma the victory tally stands at forty-two so far this season.