Following Tuesday evening’s ultra-short prologue and Wednesday’s bunch sprint in Ede, the riders faced another race against the clock on Thursday. With Laporte in third and Edoardo Affini in tenth in the general classification, the time trial was an important test for Team Visma | Lease a Bike ahead of the remainder of the six-day race. The six yellow-and-black riders faced a flat course of just over thirteen kilometers in Tilburg.

Before the general classification favorites took to the course, Campenaerts raced through the streets of Tilburg to set the fastest time. The Belgian couldn’t enjoy the hot seat for long, however, ultimately finishing seventh. With several time trial specialists in the field, Laporte’s goal was to limit his time losses as much as possible. The Frenchman did a solid job, recording the ninth-fastest time.

In the general classification, Campenaerts, Laporte and Affini remain within reach of leader Söderqvist. “We wanted to have as many riders as possible close to the top after the time trial. We managed to do that”, sports director Maarten Wynants says afterward. “Still, we had hoped to get a little closer today. But we also have to be realistic. Söderqvist really stood out and simply is a specialist in this discipline.”

With the prologue, a bunch sprint and Thursday’s time trial completed, the Eneco Tour has reached its halfway point. Friday brings a challenging stage in Limburg. “Now we will have to race aggressively, although that was always part of the plan. Victor, Christophe and Edo are all still in a good position. Everything is still possible”, Wynants concludes.