The last stage in the Netherlands was again a showdown between the fast men, who contested the sprint win on a circuit around Breda on the longest stage of this year's Vuelta, at 193.5 km in length. Sam Bennett started the stage in the green points jersey and hoped to be able to defend it and take another stage win. With the team providing him with exemplary support all day, in the end, Danny van Poppel was the last man to set his teammate up perfectly on the left hand side of the road, ahead of the bunch sprint. The Irish fast man was able to hold his own in a hectic tussle at the front and ultimately take the win. The team from Raubling thereby took its second stage victory in a row and extended its lead in the points classification. Today's stage is now followed by a transfer to the Basque country and a rest day tomorrow before the peloton contests the first hilly stage of this year's Vuelta.
Result
01 S. Bennett 4:05:53
02 M. Pedersen +0:00
03 D. McLay +0:00
From the Finish Line
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Result
01 S. Bennett 4:05:53
02 M. Pedersen +0:00
03 D. McLay +0:00
From the Finish Line
"I am very happy about my second stage win and I have to say a big thank you to my teammates. They were just super. Jonas rode in the wind at the front all day and even still had the power to ride a good turn at the end. After that Ryan kept us in front so well, and then came the masterclass lead-out from Danny. It was really perfect teamwork. Honestly, it wasn't that easy today because a lot of riders were fighting for our wheel, but I managed to hold on to Danny and launch my sprint at a good time. We also extended our lead in the points standings today. I can't ask for more than that." - Sam Bennett
"It was a hectic day, very tiring for the peloton. So it was really a case of: ready, set, go! Our goal today was to take a second stage win as well as defend green. We wanted to keep the race under control and show the other teams that we are here for the stage win. However, we didn't invest absolutely everything at that point, because looking at the overall classification, there are still three weeks to go. That's why the main focus today was to get through safely. The guys did a really incredible job and we can be very satisfied with the opening weekend. We also want to thank the organiation here in the Netherlands and especially the Dutch fans, because there was almost a Tour de France atmosphere here the last three days - chapeau!" - Bernhard Eisel, Sports Director