Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s riders failed to make the breakaway in the fifth stage of the Volta a Catalunya today. Attacks filled the first 115 kilometres, resulting in eight riders moving free and eventual stage winner Wout Poels (Team Sky) among them.

“Everyone wanted to be in the break,” Sports Director Frans Maassen said. “We did everything to be there, as well, but we failed. That’s very annoying for the men.” Until the leading group broke away, the average speed of the peloton was 48 kilometres an hour. The stage finished fifteen minutes earlier than the fastest time scheduled.

“Bert-Jan Lindeman seemed to have the biggest chance to get in the breakaway. He stayed in front with a group of riders, but Team Sky closed the gap. Poels attacked immediately at that moment and they were gone. I can’t say that our riders didn’t fight for it, but it was without success, unfortunately.”

Crashes

Martijn Keizer and Steven Kruijswijk crashed, as well. “Martijn didn’t suffer too much damage, but Steven is scraped up,” Maassen added. “He was eating something when everyone in front of him stopped suddenly. He fell over that crash heavily. It wasn’t a nice day for us, but we will have a new chance tomorrow. Tomorrow’s stage is quite similar to today’s.”