The breakaway of the day consisted of six riders who tried to avoid a bunch sprint. However, this was against their better judgement. Five kilometres from the finish the escapees were caught. Vos finished right behind sprinters Lorena Wiebes and Emma Norsgaard.

Vos praised the work of the team. “From the start in Milan they rode hard. A flat stage with a predicted bunch sprint. I have to make a compliment to the team. They all rode very well and attentively today. Unfortunately I didn’t feel I was in the right position at the beginning of the sprint. In the end I still managed to finish third behind two strong riders.”

Sports director Marco Postma said he was proud of his team. “Beforehand we had planned to participate in the bunch sprint. We also prepared for that same sprint. The third place for Marianne is a nice and realistic result. It is a good team performance. It was a hot and technical day today. It’s also worth something that we got through this stage safely.”

Looking ahead to the next stages, Postma was clear. “There are still some great stages waiting for us. First of all, tomorrow’s stage. That will be a beautiful day along Lake Como. Hopefully we can take another shot at the day’s victory here. We are really looking forward to the coming days.”