"It was a bit stupid not to go for the sprint" - Marijn van den Berg rues wasted opportunity at Brabantse Pijl

After winning the Région Pays de la Loire Tour last week, it was evident that Marijn van den Berg was in great form. However, few would've expected the sprinter to be outright attacking on the cobbled climbs of the Brabantse Pijl... But he was carried away with a late attack that ruined his chances of competing in a sprint for the win.

With just over 30 kilometers to go, the EF Education-EasyPost rider did a tremendous effort to follow Tim Wellens and Dylan Teuns up the Moskesstraat. In the final time up the steep cobbled climb, he was the one pushing the pace and putting Teuns into difficulty. A few riders joined the front group in the final kilometers, but after a gap opened up with 3 kilometers to go, he tried to take advantage of possible misunderstandings in the chasing group.

“They left a hole and at first I thought I had good legs, but then I exploded," he explained. A tactical choice that cost him a possible podium. He tried his luck with a move that at times succeeds, but the work of Israel - Premier Tech in the final climb saw him get caught with the line not far off. "It was a bit stupid not to go for the sprint. I am a bit disappointed. The biggest chance was probably betting on my sprint. I don't know, it was a bit stupid of me."

Nevertheless, van den Berg's signs today were great and will certainly earn him a leadership position for Amstel Gold Race this Sunday. With home crowds on his back and great form, he can certainly be a dangerous outsider for the win. “I feel good at the moment. I think I can show beautiful things. Next Sunday I hope I can do a little better than this," he concluded.