Tom Dumoulin finished the Eneco Tour in third overall after today's final stage proved to be too easy to put race leader Tim Wellens under pressure. The Dutchman lamented the many punctures for his teammates in yesterday's stage that had made it impossible for him to control the race.

Tom Dumoulin could not improve on his third place at the Eneco Tour on today’s final stage as finishes the race in third overall after conceding the race lead on yesterday’s stage.

Dumoulin finished in what was left of the peloton together with the other overall favourites with the final stages of the race not proving tough enough to break up the race. With breakaway riders taking the top placings there were also no bonus seconds on offer leaving a stalemate and Tim Wellens (Lotto Belisol) to take the overall victory.

A large break of 20 riders moved clear early on and set about dominating the stage. From this group Guillaume van Keirsbulck (Omega Pharma Quickstep) moved clear in the final 30km to solo to the stage victory, but all eyes were on the developing fight behind in the peloton with the top riders in GC all separated by only a handful of seconds.

Dumoulin went into the final stage with a 13 second deficit and together with the team was intent on a hard race and fighting for the overall win.

Despite being in a stronger position than the previous days with two teammates in the select front group deep into the final stages, Dumoulin was unable to really launch an assault for the victory with the stage not posing enough difficulties.

“It was all quite controlled today and we never really had a situation where we could create an opportunity,” explained coach Addy Engels after the stage. “There was a big break but with no one dangerous on GC there so there was little pressure on the peloton behind.

“Overall we can be happy with the week though – a stage win, third on GC and the points jersey. The guys were present at the front all week and showed well as a team. Of course we came here to win but sometimes you get some bad luck and that is racing. Tom is still young and showed how strong he is here, dealing with pressure and he can take confidence from his performance moving forward.”

Dumoulin added: “I’ve had my ups and downs this week but today it ended with a down. Unfortunately it was not difficult enough to force something in the GC today. I think the Tour may have been different had we not had the punctures we have, especially Simon and Reinardt yesterday.

“Compared to last year though I have made a step forward and I am pleased that I could show again here at this race, unfortunately without a better ending to last year.”