Despite a not entirely flawless sprint, Moreno Hofland still managed to finish third in the final stage of the Tour of Beijing today. The neo-pro of Belkin Pro Cycling Team placed right behind stage winner Luka Mezgec (Argos-Shimano) and Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) outside of the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing.

"With 200 meters to go I accelerated, but right at that moment they went from left to right and I had to brake," said Hofland. "After that I was still able to catch a few others, but Mezgec and Bouhanni were too far away. Maybe I could have kept up with them. I felt good and had prepared myself well. I used my aero suit and helmet and had also borrowed Wilco Keldermans' overshoes."

The team's lead-out for Hofland was also a bit intended for Robert Gesink. The leader of the Belkin Pro Cycling Team didn't want to take any chances in the final and was attentive at the front of the pack. He crossed the line in 25th position and held on to his eighth place in the overall classification.

The Belkin Pro Cycling Team concluded the WorldTour in some style in China. In every ranking of the Tour of Beijing, a rider of the green team finished in the top ten. Gesink ended in eighth, Wilco Kelderman concluded the race as fifth best young rider, Moreno Hofland as ninth best sprinter and Marc Goos eighth in the king of the mountain classification.

"We have seen a team that wanted to help each other this week," said Sports Director Jan Boven. "They did everything they could to be good. We look back on this race with a good feeling. Compliments for the organisation as well, everything was very well prepared!"

The Tour of Hainan (2.HC, 20-28 October) is the Belkin Pro Cycling Team's last race of the 2013 season. Hofland is excited. "Today gives me great morale boost. This was my first podium finish in a WorldTour-level race. It gives me a very good feeling. Maybe in Hainan, I can try to take my first professional victory."