Timo de Jong triumphs on the VAM-berg to claim first pro victory

Timo de Jong pulled off an impressive feat on the VAM-berg in the Tour of Holland. The 26-year-old VolkerWessels rider claimed his first professional victory by defeating favourites Christophe Laporte and Lukas Kubis in the fourth stage. De Jong was part of the early breakaway and held on strongly when the chasers bridged across from the peloton. On the final cobbled climb, he proved to be the strongest and celebrated with raised arms in front of his home crowd.

The win was extra special, not only because it was his first at professional level, but also as it made him the first Dutch stage winner in this edition of the Tour of Holland. Laporte finished second but took over the orange leader’s jersey from his teammate Ethan Hayter, who abandoned the race due to illness. The final stage will be held on Sunday around Arnhem, featuring several challenging gravel sections.