Robert Gesink, unable to generate his normal power, lost almost two minutes to today’s winner Dan Martin (Etixx - Quick Step) in the third stage of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s front man was distanced already early on the final climb. Primoz Roglic and Steven Kruijswijk, however, were able to stay in front.

“It was looking good for a while today, but the result is disappointing,” Sports Director Addy Engels said after the first mountain stage. “Robert Gesink was our man. We covered him the whole day, but he wasn’t able to follow the pace already early on the final climb of the day. His chances at a good result in the general classification are gone, now.”

Watts ‘not feasible’
Gesink didn’t know why he lost so much time. “I started this race with the ambition to finish in the top 10, so when you’re not able to deliver anything during the first mountain stage, it’s a big disappointment. It felt like I wasn’t able to use any of the power in my legs. Watts I normally reach during training weren’t feasible during the final climb.”

Primoz Roglic and Steven Kruiswijk were able to follow the first group. “They were strong,” Engels continued. “They showed a high level, but they lost some time at the end of the stage.”

Intermediate classification
In the beginning of the day, Koen Bouwman showed himself. The neo-professional was in the early breakaway. “He did a great job,” Engels added. “He won two intermediate sprints as part of his effort, so he will start tomorrow’s stage in intermediate classification leader’s jersey.” 

Thursday’s stage will be even harder than Wednesday’s. For Steven Kruijswijk, who’s 32 seconds behind in the general classification, and Primoz Roglic, six seconds after Kruijswijk, it will be an exciting day.