Belkin Pro Cycling Team sprinter Moreno Hofland missed a great opportunity for a podium place in the Münsterland Giro this afternoon in Germany. Hofland was blocked in the last 200 meters of the race, which Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) won.

After a fast opening to the Münsterland Giro, five riders got away and provided the first danger. However, the Lotto-Belisol and Netapp-Endura managed the gap.

“We had fantastic course conditions: Nice temperatures, beautiful roads on flat terrain, but no wind. So it was very hard from the start,” Sports Director Frans Maassen said. “There was an escape, but Lotto and Netapp closed the gap almost at 60 kilometres to go. Ultimately, it was the Germans with John Degenkolb who closed the last bit."

At 60 kilometres out, the sprint teams came to position with some fight.

“They faced strong opposition, including from our Belkin team. When everything was back together, we were on each escape. Leezer and Martens where always in the front,” Maassen continued. "Jos van Emden jumped in the final kilometres, but didn’t get away. Robert Wagner worked for Moreno Hofland and positioned him at the front. When Moreno was in place it went wrong, however. He became boxed in and had to settle for sixth place."

"We rode an aggressive race. The riders were like young dogs, eager. Moreno again showed that he is in a good form, and he should be able his form to the Tour of Beijing. I am a satisfied sports director."