"I think a better result was possible" - Tim van Dijke slightly disappointed after fourth place in final stage of Tour de Romandie

Tim van Dijke came close to a podium result at this year's Tour de Romandie, but Visma | Lease a Bike rider could not crack it in the opening prologue nor in the sprint of the final hilly stage, where fourth was the 24-year-old Dutchman's maximum.

"I think a better result was possible," Van Dijke said in a press release afterwards. "When I wanted to start the sprint, I got hemmed on the left side of the road. I was disappointed with that."

Read also

"Pogacar is the pre-race favourite, that means all eyes will be on him" - Geraint Thomas thinks Tadej Pogacar can be defeated at Giro d'Italia

"The guys gave me a lot of confidence by riding up front and countering all the attacks. In the last 600 meters Julien brought me to the front and I was able to move up nicely. Normally I prepare the sprint for Olav Kooij, but I am very happy that I got the chance to sprint myself twice this week. I will take these learning moments with me to the next races."

Van Dijke has had a busy spring and is happy that he is still achieving a high level even now. "Things are going well. I was motivated to take the chances I would get this week. In Tuesday's prologue I had hoped to go for the podium, but sixth wasn't bad either. I think this fourth place is a nice way to end the week. I'm proud of that."

Read also

Nacer Bouhanni asks for €2.7 million compensation from Tour of Turkey: "This fall destroyed my career"

INEOS Grenadiers mechanic on Tom Pidcock's bike position: "Tom isn't very advanced. In fact, he is the least advanced of our riders"