Moreno Hofland came within a whisker of victory in the third stage of the Ster ZLM Toer. André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) beat the Dutch sprinter by a minimum of difference.

After Thursday’s off day, when only two riders made the front group, sports director Erik Dekker had to be strict with his men before the start of the third stage of the Ster ZLM Toer.

“Our meeting this morning was a bit heavier than usual”, Dekker said. “I criticized Moreno as well, in spite of that he was in front yesterday. In my opinion, he had to be sharper before the last turn. When you start a final sprint, two places behind André Greipel, you’re not going to beat him any way. Today, it went better. We forced it as a team today. It’s a pity that he didn't win the stage, but he didn’t allow others to run rings around us. That’s a good thing.”

Hofland agreed with the criticism from his sports director.

“It felt like a missed chance for me, too”, he analysed. “I know that I wasn’t physical enough. I wanted to be in the perfect position today, no matter what. I was in the right place at the right moment, and made sure that I was able to stay there. Maybe Erik’s harsh words were necessary. You have to pump yourself up every time as a sprinter and I didn’t yesterday. I was taking it too easy. I was sharp today, and almost won. The difference is very small, I’m quite frustrated with that.”

On Saturday's fourth day of the Ster ZLM Toer, the riders are facing the toughest stage of the race.

“The finish is hard tomorrow”, Dekker said. “Moreno already indicated that he is going to try. Maarten Tjallingii and he have to be strong to stay in front of the general classification, so it’s going to be interesting.”