Martijn Keizer was six seconds too short for the win in the prologue of the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen on Friday. The Team LottoNL-Jumbo rider was beaten by Tom Bohli (BMC Racing Team). Behind Keizer, Steven Lammertink finished sixth. Robert Wagner placed eighth and Koen Bouwman 11th.

“This was a very good prologue for our team,” sports director Merijn Zeeman said after the race. “To finish top 11 with four of our riders is very strong. It’s again a second place in a time trial on the other hand. Bohli was six seconds faster and deserves this win, but it’s still annoying. Martijn made a lot of progress, though. He was nine seconds faster than last year.”

Keizer explained his progression, “It tells something about my shape and about the bike as well. I didn’t have this bike last year yet. Everything was better. I was really looking forward to this race and the team allowed me to abandon Le Samyn early to be ready for today’s time trial. I’m confirming that I’m in good condition with this second place and we have to fight to convert it to wins for me or one of my team-mates. We have a strong team and we will have enough chances to make the difference in the upcoming days.”

The results of the prologue confirmed that Team LottoNL-Jumbo has many options this weekend. “Steven and Koen are both neo-professionals,” Zeeman said. “The youngsters are doing great. I’m satisfied with the level of the whole team. This was a nice start to the weekend. Tomorrow and Sunday, the weather will play a role and the profile will be tough. Tomorrow, we have to climb the Oude Kwaremont and the Kemmelberg is part of the race on Sunday. We have to be focussed as a team.”