The final stage was animated by an early breakaway with Antwan Tolhoek and yesterday’s stage winner Simon Yates. They got a maxiumum lead of five minutes but were chased down in the final twenty kilometres, after which Kruijswijk was well-protected by his Team Jumbo-Visma teammates.

“It was a very good first week of racing for me”, Kruijswijk said. “You always have to wait and see how you have come through the winter. I didn’t expect to be in this shape already and I am happy with my performance. It is a boost towards the races and goals that are yet to come.”

Sports director Frans Maassen will be going home with a good feeling. “We battled for a stage win every day. We were close with Steven and Danny, but we missed a bit of luck. That is a pity, but the third place overall for Steven made up for it big time. So all in all, we have ended this week with a good feeling.”