After yesterday's victory, the eyes were on Team Jumbo-Visma’s Belgian champion again. After the six riders had broken away, Team Jumbo-Visma took the initiative. Chris Harper did a tremendous job controlling the front of the peloton for a long time.

However, closing the gap proved difficult on the hilly course. Even with the help of other teams, the peloton was unable to catch the breakaway in time. This group ultimately crossed the line with a five-second lead. Van Aert won the sprint of the depleted peloton.

Van Aert was disappointed after missing out on the stage win. "You should always try to sprint for the victory first. Logically, the pressure was on us in the race. We put Chris in the lead. The leading group was strong on the long climb. After that, it went downhill a lot and you couldn't make up much. We underestimated that. In the last thirty kilometres they only lost one minute. Everyone on the team did his turn, even Primoz in the final. I would have preferred to keep the yellow, but I am especially disappointed to miss out on the stage win. In the sprint, I won quite easily, but it's a shame it wasn't for the victory."

A tricky uphill finish awaits the riders tomorrow. "We are going to see how we will handle it tomorrow. It's an important day for Primoz. If not for the stage win, then at least for the GC. It will be a tricky finale in any case”, Van Aert said.