Belkin may be mostly focused on Robert Gesink at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco but yesterday they supported their fast rider Paul Martens fully on the third stage. In the finale, the team was in complete control and Martens paid them back with his second consecutive fifth place.

Paul Martens once again claimed a top-five finish in the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco. The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM rider concluded the third stage in fifth position, just like the previous day. 

Bauke Mollema and David Tanner guided Martens through some difficult corners and roundabouts in the final kilometres and dropped him off at the front of the pack. The German reached the leading position a bit too early, however, and saw four riders pass him in the final metres. Michael Matthews of Orica-Green Edge claimed the stage victory. 

“There could have been more in it for me today,” said Martens. “I was involved in a crash on the final climb and got dropped because of that. Jonathan Hivert brought me back with a sublime effort and so that I was still able to sprint.” 

Martens also praised Mollema and Tanner’s actions.

"We really worked as a team. Unfortunately, I was up front a little bit too early and couldn’t cover some riders overtaking me.” 

Erik Dekker was happy with the way the team worked together.

“The commitment was very high, we really went for it together,” he said. “Everybody was strong and Robert Gesink was able to stay out of trouble. Only Jack Bobridge isn’t fully fit, although he’s already doing better than yesterday.” 

Tomorrow the peloton will race the traditional stage to Eibar.

“It’s going to be a tough ride,” said Dekker. “We want Robert Gesink to start the final climb as fresh as possible. Hopefully Lars Petter Nordhaug and Bauke Mollema can support him until very late in the stage.”