Timo Roosen spent much of Friday in an escape during the Gran Piemonte one-day race in Italy. The young Dutchman formed part of a big leading group and continued with two other riders, only caught six kilometres to go from the line. Jan Bakelants (AG2R La Mondiale), instead, celebrated the victory.

“It was a very tough race,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman said after the finish. “It was ice cold in the pouring rain. A group of ten riders escaped in the beginning of the race and Timo was one of them. Not all the teams were represented, which meant that they were chasing hard all the time.

“When you look at the attrition in this race, you have to admit that Timo did a good job. He aimed for the win, which I loved to see. He has taken some enormous steps this season.”

The neo-professional reviewed the race on a positive note. “I was able to show myself another time and I’m happy with that,” he added. “It’s a pity that it didn’t turn out in my favour. I deserved a good result today.

“I was feeling good. I noticed that I was strong on the climbs and I was feeling fine in the descents, as well. I was happy with the fact that I was able to stay in front with two others. But I noticed that a big group of riders was able to close the gap in a blink of an eye. I’m fed up about that.”

Jan Bakelants escaped from that big group of riders. He stayed out of the clutches of the peloton and enjoyed the victory.