Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Niki Terpstra placed 2nd at the 52.6km Dutch National TT Championship on Wednesday.
Terpstra trailed only Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil-DCM) at the intermediate points, and Westra went on to win the championship. Tom Dumoulin (Argos-Shimano) was 3rd.
"I'm happy with the second place," Terpstra said. "But, while it's also true that I lost for only 4 seconds, it hurts a bit. At half way I was 30'' behind. I did a great final but it wasn't enough. Lieuwe Westra is one the the best time trialists around, so congratulations to him. I have no regrets. It was for sure one of my best time trials ever. It means that I'm in good shape for Sunday. I'm confident. I'm happy, I was going for the podium and I made it. I want to also thank all the people who were with me today: Mechanics, masseurs, and friends who really supported me perfectly."