Theo Bos’ 17th place in the fourth stage of the Tour de Pologne came as a disappointment for the Belkin Pro Cycling Team after the Dutchman’s victory yesterday. Bos wasn’t able to get in the mix in Katowice and saw Lotto-Belisol’s Jonas Vangenechten win.

Sports Director Michiel Elijzen explained how the day unfolded.

“Just like the last three days a breakaway was quickly formed. The peloton let five men go, but not long after they were already caught. After that three others decided to give it a go.

"Together with Omega Pharma-QuickStep, who wanted to protect the lead of Petr Vakoc, we kept the gap small. We were obliged to do so after the stage win by Theo. Jack Bobridge did very well. Eventually, we were right on time to make it a sprint,” he said to the Belkin website.

In the sprint, Bos placed 17th.

“The men did what they could to drop Theo off in a good position, but he started the sprint from too far behind and couldn’t move up. After yesterday, this is obviously a disappointing result.”

The peloton will head into the mountains tomorrow. Elijzen thinks the GC men should shine.

“They have to show what they’re capable of now. It will be a long and intense day. In the final, we’ll twice tackle a climb with parts of up to 16 per cent. I expect that the first real time differences will arise. I’m confident that Robert Gesink is good enough to join in with the best. He looks relaxed and is doing well.”