Moreno Hofland placed second in the third stage of the Tour of Oman behind Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) today. The placing was a result of Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s great lead-out to Naseem Park.

The results of the third stage – with Hofland in second and Mike Teunissen in fourth – indicated things are going well, but did not tell the entire story. “We were able to carry out around 85 per cent of our plan,” sports director Jan Boven said after the race. “At the turning point of the stage, with six kilometres to go, we didn’t want to be in the front of the peloton, but we wanted to be close to it. It was all about having the courage to wait until the final 2.5 kilometres. We succeeded partly because of our soigneurs who were at the finish. They previewed the stage final for us and gave us information about the actual final.”

The final did not run without hitch. “There was a road divider with 800 metres to go and not everyone chose the same side,” Boven added. “Tom Van Asbroeck and Moreno chose Kristoff’s wheel. Mike was somewhere else and wasn’t able to fulfil all of his tasks.”

Hofland explained that part of the lead-out was the most successful moment of the race. “You’re never able to do it completely the way you planned it,” said Hofland. "It’s about anticipating when you’re not expecting something and that’s where we made some mistakes in the last weeks. Today, we dared to change plans and everything ended up very well.”

Hofland’s second place felt like a win for him. “This gives me confidence and it’s good for the team’s morale, as well. We showed that we are able to aim for stage wins. Of course, I want to win them as well, but this second place is a nice step for us. Kristoff is really strong at this moment, as well.”

Hofland will not have the chance to sprint again tomorrow. A tough mountain stage is waiting for the riders in the Tour of Oman. “We’re going to find out how good George Bennett is,” Boven said. “We’re going to lead him out until the foot of the final climb and afterwards, the team needs to rest as much as possible.”