There was little attack spirit in the peloton during the stage. With many strong sprinters, the attackers seemed to resign themselves to a mass sprint in advance. Thomas de Gendt tried again and was allowed to lead solo for a long time, but the Belgian’s assignment turned out not to be feasible.
After a final in which the peloton broke into pieces, the sprint was held on a long, wide, straight road and Groenewegen (Team Jayco – AlUla) was clearly the strongest. Fernando Gaviria crossed the line second ahead of Sam Bennett. Olav Kooij, second yesterday, had to make do with ninth place.
Remco Evenepoel remains the leader in the general classification.
“It was a difficult sprint, but I knew that the legs felt good”, said Groenewegen (29) shortly after the victory. “I was put off well by the other guys. I came on the wheel of Bennett at the right time and I am very happy with this victory.”
For Groenewegen it is the second victory of the year. He was also the best in a stage in the Saudi Tour.
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