Steven Lammertink unfortunately crashed hard and abandoned the race. 

“It was a bad day for us," Sports Director Addy Engels said after the stage. 

“It is unclear how bad his injuries are. He is in the hospital at the moment getting a check-up. That casts a shadow on today.” 

Engels had hoped that Juan Jose Lobato could compete in the sprint. 

“But Juan Jose felt really bad today and was dropped from the peloton. The positive thing about today was the way Lars rode. He survived the final climb and ended in the front.” 

Steven Kruijswijk was in the front as well. 

"That was the other positive thing about today. He rode strongly and was in the front when he needed to be in the front." 

“Tomorrow is more of a sprint stage than today, but the final of the stage is very technical. It is a bit of an uphill sprint." 

"Juan Jose has to improve much to be able to compete for a good result there. At this moment, Lars is our best chance of success. He has a good sprint, as well.”