Theo Bos reached the podium, in third, in the first stage of the World Ports Classic today in Antwerp. The Dutchman of the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM came from far away in a frantic sprint and placed behind winner André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and Alexander Porsev (Katusha).

Bos placed third despite the fact that the last kilometre didn’t go entirely according to plan. “We thought that after the last turn, there were 800 metres left, but it turned out to be that it was 500 metres,” said Bos.

“Graeme Brown and Robert Wagner accelerated as quickly as they could, but I also had to ditch some other riders. I really came from far behind, so I think I should be satisfied with this third place.”

Sports Director Michiel Elijzen saw a focussed Belkin Pro Cycling Team along the way from Rotterdam.

“Everyone knew that the wind could break the race up around Middelburg and it happened. It was short, though, but we were where we needed to be, in the first group. Not long after, however, everything came back together.”

Bos is looking forward to tomorrow. “I’m satisfied with how my legs felt today,” Bos said. “I can build on this. I hope to keep this flow going. Tomorrow will be a new chance for us. We’ll try to get in the mix again and hopefully, there is something more in store for us.”

Elijzen expects to see a scenario similar to todays on Sunday. “Although, I have to say that the final in Rotterdam has some twists and turns and is more difficult than today’s. If Theo feels good again, we’ll put our money on him.”