A perfectly-executed sprint landed Marcel Kittel his ninth victory of the season, and his fifth in the Ster ZLM Toer, capping off an impressive week for Quick-Step Floors at the Dutch race. The German kicked off with 150 metres to go and held off the challenge of Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo), crossing the finish line a bike length clear of his opponent to give the team its 32nd UCI win of the year.
Quick-Step Floors stamped its authority on stage 4 (Oss – Oss, 180.9 kilometres), controlling the original escape and the solo attacks which followed in the last 20 kilometres, before delivering Marcel Kittel in an ideal position from which he launched his trademark devastating sprint.
“It was a nice and quiet day on the bike, and I must say it was quite unusual to ride in the Netherlands and not face any strong winds,” said Kittel. “The guys rode a perfect race today; we took the front early, because we knew we had to be there before the last kilometre on this type of finish.”
“I’m happy I could capitalise on my team’s fine job and get a nice victory two weeks from the start of the Tour de France, especially after the bad luck I had on the first road stage here.”
From here, the 29-year-old sprinter will go home, before making his fifth consecutive appearance at the National Championships, scheduled next Sunday: “I’m excited about racing the Nationals, although it’s always an unpredictable affair, and with just two guys in the race it will be impossible to control it. But together with Max we will give our best out there and try to play our card.”
“If it doesn’t end up in a bunch sprint, then I’ll come out of this with the joy of riding in front of my home fans and adding some extra kilometres under the belt before the Tour de France.”
