The former world champion did not travel to Levens with the security of having good legs. "I was sick for three days this week," he said after the finish. "I was doubting whether to actually start after yesterday’s recon. However, this morning I felt much better and I am proud to be the one wearing the national champion's jersey in the following months!”
"We believe that this team gives us the best chance in the hunt for stages. We couldn't be more excited for our first Grand Tour," says team owner Fabian Cancellara, expressing confidence in the riders selected for the team’s inaugural Grand Tour.
The 24-year-old, the main lead-out man for Tudor’s sprinters Alberto Dainese and Arvid de Kleijn, surprised everyone with an excellent performance on the course with 14 corners in 2.3 kilometers. The Dutchman needed 2.55 minutes, leaving Cameron Scott, Julian Alaphilippe, and all the other competition in his wake.