The local fans had big expectations for Tom-Jelte Slagter in yesterday's Amstel Gold Race but the young Dutchman failed to live up to expectations. Having crossed the line in 21st, he simply ran out of legs when the race was decided the final time up the Cauberg.

After his two stage wins in Paris-Nice, Tom-Jelte Slagter had given the Dutch fans hopes that they may finally have found a rider that can become the first winner of their home event, Amstel Gold Race, since Erik Dekker in 2001. The young Dutchman's explosive riding style and excellent run of form made him an obvious candidate on the punchy course in the Limburg province.

Slagter was surrounded by an excellent Garmin team that also had lots of confidence in their young rider. After losing Dan Martin early in the race - the Irishman abandoned the race as a precautionary measure due to knee pain - it was left to their new signing to come away with the goods.

The team showed their faith in their captain when they did a lot of the chase work late in the race to bring back the dangerous group with Thomas Voeckler, Greg Van Avermaet, and Jakob Fuglsang. They even sacrificed Fabian Wegmann, a rider who is very capable of a top 10 finish himself.

It all came down to the final battle up the Cauberg and everything looked good for Slagter who had been feeling good up to that point. It wasn't to be though as he lost contact with the best riders and rolled across the line in 21st. In fact, Wegmann ended up being the team's best finisher in 14th.

"I don't see my name in the top ten, so yes, I'm disappointed. I expected better," he told CyclingOnline. "[On the Cauberg] I couldn't find my rhythm. That's how it is.

"I didn't really expect it. On the Keutenberg, I had no problems. I felt really good. The team did not let me down. Sebastian Langeveld was with me all the time.

"Of course the expectations were high for this race. When you are in good shape, you set your goals. Sometimes it doesn't work. Today was such a day."