ProTeam Strong Van der Sande second in Tour of Denmark

A strong Tosh Van der Sande finished second in the third stage of the Tour of Denmark. The 220 kilometres long stage took the riders from Tønder to Vejle and quite soon in the race, the bunch was already heavily reduced as the riders faced a hilly course. The decisive move came at the start of the local circuit, when Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel accelerated at around seventeen kilometres from the finish. Only Lotto Soudal rider Tosh Van der Sande was able to follow the move for an instant, but eventually had to let go. Evenepoel quickly carved out a one-minute gap and eventually soloed to victory. In the battle for second place, it was Van der Sande who proved to be the strongest of a small chasing group. With two stages remaining at the Tour of Denmark, Van der Sande now sits second overall, at 1’33” from GC leader Evenepoel.

“I started the hardest stage of the Tour of Denmark with ambition because from my participation in 2015, I learned that – with a pair of good legs – I could do really well here”, Tosh Van der Sande began. “At about 70 kilometres from the finish, Riwal Cycling Team took control of the race and the bunch already split to pieces when there was still 50 kilometres to ride. I was part of a small group of riders that started the local circuit, where Evenepoel immediately launched an impressive attack. I tried to follow him, but I quickly realised he was outstanding today. However, I felt I was the strongest of the rest and tried to decimate the chasing group on the penultimate lap, which also succeeded. During the last time up the climb, I could secure my second place.”

“I am really satisfied with the feeling. It is a big relief that the back problems – which forced me to abandon the Tour – are in the past. It is nice to ride at full strength again and if felt great to fight for the top spots. Currently, I am second on GC, but the closing time trial is not really my cup of tea. We’ll see how it turns out. To finish second today on such a difficult course among a strong field of riders makes me very happy. I am already looking forward to the upcoming Tour of Norway”, Tosh Van der Sande concludes.