Thanks to a formidable ride in the final mountain time trial Bauke Mollema secured second place in the Tour de Suisse. The lead rider for the Blanco Pro Cycling Team notched the third best time in the 26 kilometre race against the clock from Bad Ragaz to Flumserberg.

“I am very satisfied, this is a great result. Outside of the three grand tours, the Tour of Switzerland is perhaps the most important stage race of the year and to be second therein is very nice.”

Bike change

As to his time trial, Mollema was well pleased. “It really went extremely well. This was perhaps my best time trial ever. I had made a plan with the team management ahead of time and it turned out to be spot on. In the first section, I did not go full out, given that there would be a climb of half an hour later on. We also planned the timing of the bike change and the amount of water I would take in - and it all went like clockwork.”

For the coming two weeks, Mollema will take it easy. “My form is good – not a lot has to happen. This was a good test. I am going to ride in the Dutch Championships, train a few more times and then we head to Corsica for the Grand Départ.”

Jan Boven

Although the week was not perfect, Jan Boven looked back positively on the Tour de Suisse. “Naturally, it did not go exactly as it should have with the time penalty and the communications glitch, but I am impressed with the way Bauke dealt with it all. He demonstrated resiliency and just kept fighting back. Bauke continues to develop as a leader and that is good to see, especially in the run-up to the Tour where he will fulfil that role.”

Boven was also pleased with the rest of the team. “The guys were more than teammates this week, they were fellow combatants. Together with Bauke, they fought for the podium. Sep Vanmarcke and Tom Leezer stood by Bauke the entire week and kept him out of trouble. The other guys may not have worked quite as long but they pulled their share of the load on the right moments. Even the staff was in the flow – very nice to see!”