Danny van Poppel finding groove with BORA - hansgrohe

After being one of the most consistent sprinters last season, Danny van Poppel is taking on a new challenge with the German squad and had his first opportunity today.

"It was a tough day because of the strong winds and echelons. The field split several times, but I managed to make it into the front group, so I'm pleased with that," he said, answering to how the team rode with the conditions they faced today.

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"In the end, I tried to do the leadout for Jordi, but he missed my wheel slightly. Then I took the wheel of Groenewegen in what was a bit of a confusing sprint and ended up fourth. It wasn't at all a regular bunch sprint, so I'm plesaed with the result. We're still working on fine-tuning the leadout, and I think we're getting there."

Rolf Adag, BORA's DS who is guiding the young team through these unusual race conditions confirmed that there was a mix-up at the end, but that the team nevertheless got a good result. "We had planned to prepare the sprint for Jordi, but unfortunately he missed Danny's wheel. Danny then found himself right behind Dylan Groenewegen and ended up taking fourth place. Jordi was of course slightly disappointed but ultimately we're pleased that we made it through the day reasonably well. The fourth stage will likely be windy and chaotic yet again, but the team is ready for it and spirits are still good."

BORA brought three possible GC contenders to the Saudi Tour but they have all had a far from ideal race, with Matteo Fabbro suffering from a crash in the first day, Lennard Kämna returning to competition in what is his first since May of last year, and Cian Uijtedebroeks suffering in the hilltop finish on stage 2. Van Poppel is currently sitting 8th in the overall but it is not expected that he will be able to keep his place in the Top10 after tomorrow.