Belkin's GC riders for the Giro Wilco Kelderman and Steven Kruijswijk won't be at the start line when the Tour de Romandie kicks off with a prologue later today. Instead, the Dutch team has set its sights on stage wins with Paul Martens, Moreno Hofland and Jonathan Hivert while Laurens Ten Dam will target the overall standings.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM will start the Tour de Romandie with Laurens ten Dam as captain and several riders who will have the opportunity to challenge for a stage win. The stage race through the French-speaking part of Switzerland starts Tuesday, April 29, and will see its climax May 4. 

“Laurens is our best climber and so he’s our GC rider,” said Sports Director Erik Dekker. “The overall will be decided through the prologue, a super tough mountain stage, and the final time trial.” 

Dekker said Belkin also aims for stage victories.

“There are three stages in which we stand a good chance with Jonathan Hivert, Moreno Hofland and Paul Martens. I’m thinking about Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Wednesday is going to be a tough challenge, because the stage runs over the Simplonpass, a 35-kilometre climb. It will be tough, but we see opportunities. We really want to shine in Romandie. Everyone is fit and ready for it.” 

Jonathan Hivert rode the Walloon classics with the team during the past weeks.

“We did what we could. The level was very high and I think we have done OK, although things could have been better,” said the Frenchman, who joined the team this winter and feels better and better at home at the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM. 

“I’m starting to find my place in the team. I haven’t achieved my best shape yet, but I’m doing everything I can.”

Hivert hopes to show himself in the Tour de Romandie.

“I’ll be giving my all to win a stage. As a team, we want to win races in the World Tour. That is a major goal. I hope to have good legs.” 
 

Jack Bobridge, Stef Clement, Laurens ten Dam, Jonathan Hivert, Moreno Hofland, Martijn Keizer, Paul Martens and Lars Petter Nordhaug.