One year ago Theo Bos took the most important win of his road career when he beat Marcel Kittel, Mark Cavendish and André Greipel in the first stage of the Ster ZLM Toer. Today he had hoped for a repeat in that same stage but having felt bad all day he finished outside the top 10.

The second stage of the Ster ZLM Toer turned out to be a disappointment for the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM. Jetse Bol abandoned the race after a crash, while Theo Bos wasn’t able to get in the mix in the sprint for the stage victory. The Dutchman finished outside the top 10. Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano) ended up winning and is the new race leader. 

"We knew that other teams would control, so we didn’t get involved in the chase,” said Sports Director Michiel Elijzen. “We wanted to keep as many men as possible fresh for the final, so that we could set up the strongest possible sprint train. We determined that tactic before the stage, and it seemed to work well. The sprint preparation went as planned despite some chaos that came with the narrow roads. Unfortunately, Theo was just not good enough.” 

“I didn’t feel very good during the day,” said Bos afterwards. “I was exhausted when the sprint started. In the final meters, I was still able to benefit from another team’s train, but that was it. I couldn’t do anything more.” 

Jetse Bol abandoned the race due to a crash. He sustained a hand injury and will need surgery. Later, doctors will be able to determine the severity of the injury. 

The pack takes on several climbs in Limburg on Friday. Despite a tough middle part of the stage, which will make for some good racing, the stage will probably end in a sprint with a big group. “The final is flat,” said Elijzen.