The final day of action at the Czech Tour saw a short but fast stage, with the now traditional finish circuit in Šternberk that includes a steep cobbled climb reminiscent of the races from the Spring months. Team dsm-firmenich PostNL headed into the day with the goal of keeping Kevin Vermaerke safe, and looking to capitalise on the tricky conditions in the hope to move further up on GC. Working well as a unit, the team were well positioned throughout the day and saw Vermaerke, Pavel Bittner and Julius van den Berg make a reduced front group of around 30 after the crosswinds split things. On the local laps it was a case of biding your time, with Vermaerke following on the earlier ascents of the climb, making sure no dangerous group went clear. Hitting the climb for the last time in the final eight kilometres, Bittner positioned Vermaerke who fought hard to try and follow the leading duo. He just had to let go of the wheels near the top but his chasing group worked well and they made contact inside the final kilometre. On the twisting roads Vermaerke tried to move up but it was difficult, eventually crossing the line in fifth place; securing fourth on GC with the team after four intense days of racing.
Speaking after the stage Vermaerke expressed: “It was a pretty nervous day with the crosswinds and potential rain. We wanted to try and really ride as a team the whole day, go into the crosswinds and take initiative to try and split the race. Throughout the day we were well positioned at the front and in a bubble. In the end it was Quickstep who started to split things in the wind and we came into the finishing circuits in a group of around 30 guys with me, Julius and Pavel in there. I just waited, and Pavel positioned me really well going onto the climb for the last time. I tried to just follow Alaphilippe and Hirschi but couldn’t quite do it. In the end it all came back together and we were sprinting for the win from a group of around seven or eight. I got swamped a bit before the second last corner and could only manage a fifth place. I’m really proud of how the guys rode all day. They protected me well and supported me not only today but in the last stages as well. I’m pretty bummed that I couldn’t repay them with a win this week but hopefully I can improve on that in the next races.”