Moreno Hofland sprinted to eighth in the Giro d'Italia’s final stage on Sunday in Milan. Iljo Keisse (Etixx-QuickStep), who defeated Luke Durbridge of Orica-Green Edge in a two-man sprint, won the stage. A few seconds behind the duo, the peloton sprinted for third place.

“I soon discovered that the local circuit was quite hectic,” Hofland said. “With six laps to go, I rode to the front with Rick Flens and Maarten Tjallingii. Maintaining yourself at the front is easier and requires less energy. I’m finished sixth of the pack, which is not bad for me on a flat finish line. Sadly, two riders were still riding in front of us.”

Hofland looked back on his first completed grand tour with joy. “I had a good start with a second place in the second stage. I had hoped to fight for a victory again after that, but unfortunately, that did not work, although I still finished top ten a few times. I became stronger thanks to this tour.”

Steven Kruijswijk

Steven Kruijswijk moved up to seventh overall on Saturday after a strong performance in the tough 20th stage. His position wasn’t in danger on Sunday. The 27-year-old Dutchman looked back with pride at the three weeks Italy.

“It’s been a wonderful Giro. It went better than expected. I think I rode a very strong tour and have performed at my maximum. I was always there and showed myself every day. I ended up seventh and I’m very proud of that.”

Kruijswijk called the stage over the Mortirolo a highlight. “I arrived at the top first, which was great.”

The only flaw was perhaps missing out on the blue mountain jersey. “Of course I was disappointed that I came up a little too short, but I did everything I could to win that jersey.”

Blow for Kruijswijk

The eight-minute time loss in the first week was a big setback for Kruijswijk, who ultimately finished 11-02 behind winner Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff). He finished 7-48 behind number three Mikel Landa (Astana).

“I had to handle a big blow in the process, but I fought back. You can’t control everything in a three-week race. Some days are better, some less. That’s how a grand tour works.”

Frans Maassen

Sports Director Frans Maassen looked back on a special tour on Sunday. “I’m proud of Steven’s place in the time trial, but there were more great moments. Like Steven’s two second places.”

Maassen especially found Kruijswijk’s second place in stage nine special. “I was driving right behind all day and he didn’t have the best legs anymore because a day earlier he had been in a long flight. I didn’t think a second place was possible, but Steven pulled it off. At that moment, it felt like a victory and maybe that was the best moment of the whole Giro.”