Theo Bos failed to have an impact on the final sprint in the first stage of the Tour de l'Euroemetropole. As expected, the finishing straight was too hard for him but he claims to have good legs for the upcoming stages that suit him better.

Theo Bos didn’t look for excuses after the first stage of Tour de l’Eurometropole today. The slight uphill finish in Kortrijk, Belgium, was simply too much for the Dutch Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM rider and favoured eventual winner Frenchman Arnaud Démare (FDJ). 

“I could get in the mix for the victory and that’s too bad,” said Bos, who put in a valiant effort. “I tried, but an uphill sprint isn’t really my thing. It’s not something I’m very good at. A lot of sprinters are better than me on a final stretch like this.” 
 

Bos gained enough confidence during the 191-kilometre stage to keep him optimistic for the upcoming days. 

“It was a pretty tough race today, but my legs felt good,” said the cyclist from Hierden, the Netherlands. “There’s some real speed in them and I’m certain that I have a couple of good opportunities to use them.” 
 

“The lead-out was solid. Theo and the men were well positioned,” said Sports Director Erik Dekker. 

“After yesterday’s recon, I already had concluded that the last hundred metres were not ideal for Theo. I gave the men freedom to adapt in the sprint if necessary. Graeme Brown or Jonathan Hivert are fast, as well, but the men opted for Theo. 

“Looking ahead to the next couple of days, it’s been a nice test and everyone is truly in the race now.” 

The peloton races from Estaimbourg to Nieuwpoort tomorrow, over 171 kilometres. The course is almost flat and seems suited for the sprinters again.