"I tried to limit the loss as much as possible," Uijtdebroeks continued. "And that was important with a view on the general classification. The important thing is to get through the next few days as comfortable as possible. After that, the high mountains await. That's where I feel a little more comfortable. The most important conclusion of today is that the good feeling was there. That gives confidence for the coming week."
But not all hope is lost for Team Visma | Lease a Bike as the back-up leader Wilco Kelderman put in a strong performance equivalent of 11th best time on Sunday. Therefore it'll be the Dutchman who'll be the team's protected man into next days.
Stages 2 and 3 will offer classic-like profiles, but knowing there are five consecutive mountain finishes yet to come from stage 4 onwards, not much action can be expected among the GC leaders.