The Swiss stage race traditionally started with an ultra-short test against the clock. On a twisty course in Payerne, Van Dijke recorded a time of 2 minutes and 58 seconds. The 24-year-old rider ultimately missed the podium by a hair, as the difference with place three turned out to be only a second. Jan Tratnik also did good business and sees himself back amidst a lot of classification men.

“With this performance I am satisfied,” were Van Dijke's first words afterwards. “In hindsight, I might doubt a little if the choice for the time trial bike was the right one, but we'll never know. The good feeling prevails at the moment. It was a very short effort. Given the many turns in the course, I was often on the limit, and occasionally even over it.”

Van Dijke is currently in good shape. “Indeed, I cannot deny that things are going very well at the moment. This spring I am reaching the best level of my career so far. The new experiences I'm going through are all very cool. I think there is still a lot in store,” the Dutchman is also ambitious.