The last stage in the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe was shortened due to bad weather conditions. After the start, Rick Pluimers was represented in front on behalf of Team Jumbo-Visma. After this group was taken back, it was Lars Boven’s turn. He managed to join a new leading group and stayed ahead for a long time. Finally, a thinned-out peloton headed for the finish.

The wet roads made the local lap around finish place La Chapelle-Saint-Aubin tricky. At four kilometres from the finish, there was a big crash, which torn apart the peloton. Kooij managed to stay out of the misery and ended up in front with Xandro Meurisse. In the sprint Kooij turned out to be the fastest and took his second stage victory of the week. In addition to the stage victory, Kooij also won the final classification.

Sports director Jan Boven was delighted with his young team’s performance. The Team Jumbo-Visma selection in the Sarthe only consisted of riders who received their training within the development team. “We are very proud of the boys. Despite their young age, Rick, Mick and Olav already have some experience in the pro peloton. Lars and Owen are only starting to ride these stage races this year. They have all given their all. Today, Rick was first in the attack and then Lars did a good job. They provided a perfect and comfortable situation. In the end, the final was chaotic and it is amazing how Olav managed to get through it. We tried to go for the stage win, but to be able to finish it like this is very special.”

Winner Kooij remained humble after today’s success. “It was a nervous day, partly due to the weather conditions. After I had had a minor crash early in the stage, it was good for us that Rick and Lars were part of the breakaways. When the breakaway riders were caught, we looked like we were on our way to a bunch sprint. That turned out differently due to a huge crash. Not the prettiest way to win, but sometimes you need a little luck.”