LottoNL-Jumbo rider Dylan Groenewegen finished ninth in the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California on Sunday despite a crash. Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) won the stage to Sacramento in a bunch sprint and Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx - Quick Step) won the general classification. George Bennett placed seventh.

The 138-kilometre final stage from Sacramento to Sacramento began badly for LottoNL-jumbo. The team was keen to ride for Groenewegen but he crashed hard after 20 kilometres.

Sports Director Frans Maassen said, "He was dizzy and suffered abrasions on his back and hips. His elbow was swollen. Clearly, he could not sprint as we had hoped. It’s a pity.“ Despite his injuries Groenewegen sprinted to ninth.

Development

The main goal of Team LottoNL-Jumbo was to win one of the stages in California. It did not work out, but Maassen saw some good performances in what the organisation called the toughest edition of the Tour of California ever.

“I think we showed some good things. George Bennett’s third place in the queen stage was strong. Also, the third place by Groenewegen in the opening stage. Yesterday, Teunissen sprinted to fourth place and young Alexey Vermeulen rode a good time trial and showed progression. In addition to that, Bennett finished seventh in the standings."

Energy boost

The team enjoyed and followed the performance of Steven Kruijswijk in the Giro d’Italia via social media and live streams.

"It gave us extra motivation. Many colleagues approached us and complimented the superb ride by our team in the Giro. It’s pure enjoyment, whatever the outcome.”