After a brilliant stage win on Tuesday with Max Poole, Team dsm-firmenich PostNL set out for stage four with the double-goal of keeping the GC lead safe and then setting up a sprint finish with Casper van Uden. From the flag drop it was an aggressive start with lots of attacks but the team controlled the groups and didn’t allow anyone dangerous into the moves, with a six rider group eventually going clear.
The break worked well together and while the peloton recovered on the climb, those ahead were able to build on their advantage. It resulted in a thrilling chase where the break was only caught inside 500 metres to go. Coming into those closing metres Poole handed over to Niklas Märkl who brought Van Uden to the front of the bunch. However, the team had to launch their lead-out early to ensure the break was caught and as a result Van Uden then opened up his sprint at around 300 metres to go. Digging deep, he tried to hold on to the line but was passed by the competition, crossing the finish in sixth place.
Van Uden expressed: “It was a grippy day today but we rode well as a team and managed to keep the GC safe and bring it back together for a sprint in the final. I opened up my effort too early though and couldn’t hold on to the line, but we are working well together so hopefully that top result will come soon.”