Before the start, the question was whether this stage would end in a bunch sprint or favour the breakaway. Team Visma | Lease a Bike had initially pinned their hopes on a sprint with Olav Kooij, but adapted their strategy mid-race when it became clear the attackers had the upper hand.

Van Aert and Van Baarle joined a large front group of 35 riders. Edoardo Affini was also part of the move but had to let go after an early effort. As the stage progressed, a group of eleven riders—including Van Baarle—broke away from the rest. In the peloton, GC contender Simon Yates had a trouble-free day.

“Everyone wanted to make the most of their last chance today”, said Van Aert. “We had to change our original plan, and I think we did that well. Dylan and I were in a good position on the climb and supported each other from there. The situation was actually quite promising for us—we were in the mix for the win. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t finish it off.”

Van Baarle echoed his Belgian teammate’s words. “We gave it everything today. Unfortunately, I had nothing left at the end. The plan was to control the stage and go for a sprint with Olav, but we had to respond to how the race unfolded. Wout deliberately left a gap when I accelerated. That’s how I got away, but to be honest, I’d have preferred it if Wout had been the one to open a gap. We gave it a real go, but it wasn’t to be. It was a really tough and fast day”, the Dutchman concluded.