LottoNL-Jumbo rider Barry Markus placed fourth in the sprint of the first stage of the World Ports Classic. The stage was won by Italian Andrea Guardini of Team Astana. Guardini is also the first leader of the two-day race.

In the 195-kilometer ride from Rotterdam to Antwerp, the wind blew, but not in the right direction. And according to sports director, Merijn Zeeman, it affected the race.

"There was a lot of wind, but in the back and it was not ideal for echelons," Zeeman said after the ride. "It was like flying to Middelburg. After Goes we managed to pull the peloton in echelons. Timo Roosen, Robert Wagner and Tom Leezer were at the front in the first group, but when we turned towards Antwerp, everything came together and we knew it would be a bunch sprint."

In the streets of Antwerp, LottoNL-Jumbo men brought their sprinter Barry Markus in ideal position. He sprinted to 4th place.

"The team worked well and positioned Barry Markus in the right place, but he missed the speed. After a less successful period, this is a result he can take further," continued Zeeman.

Markus also was pleased with the teamwork and his results.

"The men have worked well for me. We knew after Woensdrecht it was going to be echelons, when that failed, it all came down to me in the sprint. I was positioned perfectly but lacked the speed to get the win. However, this result does provide confidence for tomorrow."

The World Ports Classic finishes on Sunday after a 164-kilometer long race in Rotterdam. Barry Markus sits at the 9th place in the standings at ten seconds of today's winner Guardini.

"I expect a standard sprint in Rotterdam," said sports director Zeeman. "Less wind is expected. We know that the finale in Rotterdam is very hectic and we have to make a plan. After today's result, Markus can confidently look forward to a sprint."