Martijn Keizer place second in the general classification of the Tour de l’Eurométropole today. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s time trial specialist didn’t lose his position after a good prologue. Alexis Gougeard (AG2R La Mondiale) won the race, Jonas Ahlstrand (Cofidis) grabbed the last stage victory.

“This is a beautiful second place for Martijn,” Sports Director Erik Dekker said.

“We tried to grab the first position today at the first intermediate sprint. We saw that Gougeard was very strong. It was impossible to beat him in the sprint. We changed our plan afterwards and started to attack, but that didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, as well. The stage ended up in a bunch sprint eventually and Tom Van Asbroeck didn’t get the chance to participate in that kick, unfortunately.”

Martijn Keizer was disappointed about missing the victory after the race.

“It’s always a pity to finish second,” he added. “But it was the highest possible place this week. We tried to do something, but Gougeard was too strong. It was nice to go for a good result in the general classification. Normally, I’m working for our front men, but the team supported me this time. I’m grateful for that. I’m finishing my season with a good feeling and I’ll take this with me into the next year.”