Enrico Battaglin had to take over Moreno Hofland’s role in the bunch sprint of the fourth stage in the Tour de Pologne today. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s sprinter wasn’t feeling strong, so the Italian had his chance. He sprinted to the eighth place behind winner Fernando Gaviria (Etixx - Quick Step).

“It wasn’t our plan to sprint with Enrico Battaglin today,” Sports Director Addy Engels said. “Moreno Hofland didn’t feel well enough and wasn’t able to stay with the peloton. That’s why we had to make the switch.

“It was harder than yesterday. The hills were tougher and it was a lot of twisting and turning, as well. It was hard for Enrico to deliver a strong sprint because he had to put himself in the right position for the most part.”

“After Moreno was dropped, I wanted to deliver a good final sprint,” Battaglin added. “I wasn’t confident enough to make the most of it. I should have done better and I’m not satisfied with this eighth place. It was difficult for me because I had to do it on my own and there were still plenty of sprinters left.”

Enrico might find another chance already tomorrow. “It’s possible,” Engels said. “If he survives the hard bits, he immediately has a big chance at winning the stage. Again, it’s going to depend on the way they’re going to race. Besides that, we’re looking at Primoz Roglic’s general classification.”