The Team LottoNL-Jumbo riders were  unable to play a role in the queen stage of the Arctic Sea Race today in Norway. On the final climb of the third day, Sep Vanmarcke and Twan Castelijns did the best they could, but managed only 23rd and 30th place. Gianni Moscon (Team Sky) won the stage and grabbed the overall lead.

“The final climb was a too hard for our riders here in Norway,” Sports Director Frans Maassen said. “We tried to be part of the breakaway in the first part of the race, but we failed. Team Sky and Katusha controlled the race eventually, so it was all about the final climb. Sep and Twan gave it a try, but they lacked the power to compete with the best climbers. We more or less expected today’s result, though.”

Moreno Hofland and Dennis van Winden saved energy for the final part of the stage. “They did that because of tomorrow,” Maassen added. “I’m expecting that stage to end up in a bunch sprint, so Moreno will get another chance. Tom Van Asbroeck took the moutain’s jersey back today because the former leader abandoned the race due to illness. It’s going to be tough to defend his jersey tomorrow because quite a lot of climbing has to be done.”