LottoNL-Jumbo rider Dylan Groenewegen finished 21st in the third stage of the Tour of Britain today in Knutsford. Ian Stannard (Team Sky) dominated the 180-kilometre stage and Julian Vermote (Etixx – Quick Step) kept the overall lead with only six seconds on Steve Cummings (Dimension Data).

 Stannard went on the attack with three British compatriots from the start in Congleton. When the foursome took a strong lead, Vermote’s team began the chase with help from Cavendish’s Dimension Data team and LottoNL-Jumbo.

 "We wanted to get over the mountains and sprint with Dylan Groenewegen," said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. "We helped in the chase, but suddenly Dimension Data stopped their effort and other teams with sprinters didn’t try at all."

With 40 kilometers from the finish, Stannard dropped his compatriots and rode to an impressive solo win in Knutsford.

"The race was over for us when the teams stopped working," Zeeman added. "We must look forward and not back. Tomorrow is the longest and arguably the toughest ride of the tour. It runs all the way through Wales with many metres of climbing. Tomorrow, we’ll try to go for it again. “