“We knew this was the most likely scenario”, Sports Director Addy Engels said. “Because the stage contained a high col, it was not an easy sprint stage. The part we rode in Italy was quite technical and it also rained there. In the end, the stage was easy to control for the sprint teams. We were in the front when the bunch broke in two pieces on the hard part in Italy. After that, we were with Steven on the position we needed to be when you have GC ambitions.”

 “Tomorrow is going to be a day for the GC. Steven is sharp, relaxed and feels well. He is ready to tackle the climbs in tomorrow’s stage."