"This was the best I could do" - Daan Hoole almost nets breakthrough podium result at European Championships

Daan Hoole arrived at the European Time Trial Championships as the Dutch champion of the discipline this year and he did not disappoint. The Lidl-Trek rider proved that he is a true specialist in the fight against the clock and finished fourth, 26 seconds behind winner Edoardo Affini and only 7 seconds behind Mattia Cattaneo who was third.

After the finish, the 25-year-old spoke about his sensations during the course and how he had experienced the race at every moment. He commented that the asphalt was wet but did not use that as an excuse, as his main rivals had exactly the same conditions on the road.

"It went pretty well. It was a little wet from the rain, which made for some slippery corners. I started well and was able to keep a steady pace. In one part with a headwind I had to push a bit harder, but the rest was a pretty steady race. I gave it my all and this was the best I could do."

Hoole has been continuously improving in the discipline and this fourth places marks an important moment in his career where he was mere seconds from an important medal. "I'm happy with a place in the top 5. The first part was really wet. In the second part it was drier, but also less technical. The last riders had the same conditions, so it was a fair fight," he concluded.