The prologue, which went right along the Adriatic coast, was only one kilometre long. For Boven it is his first win of the season and his second in the U23 category, having won a stage in the Baltyk Karkonosze Tour last year. It also is the second victory of the season for the Jumbo-Visma Development Team. Finn Fisher-Black also finished in the top ten. The New Zealander ended sixth.

“It was important to get up to speed as quickly as possible”, the winner of the day said. “I started as fast as possible. Halfway the course there was a corner that turned back, after which I had to get back to full speed. From then on I went full throttle for the last five hundred metres. It turned out to be enough for the win. A great victory for me and the team.”

Sports director Robert Wagner spoke of a good day for his team. “We knew we could compete with Lars and Finn for the win. We were prepared for that and it is nice that it turns out that way. This week we want to participate for our position in the GC. It was a very short prologue and therefore the time differences in the standings are minimal. So everything is still open. Every day there are opportunities and the stages will become interesting. We are also in good shape. One kilometre doesn’t say much, but it is an indication.”