Going into the Tour of Belgium, Belkin knew that they would probably lose a lot of time in the time trial and their predictions were correct. After a day when sprinter Robert Wagner was the best rider in 14th, the team needs to ride aggressively in the hilly weekend stages.

Robert Wagner led the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM in today’s stage three time trial in the Baloise Belgium Tour. 

“I wanted to test my legs today,” the German said. “Right after my start, I felt that they were good and so I kept pushing. I’m able to live with this 14th place. My legs are OK. Maybe I can sprint for the win tomorrow.” 

“Everyone performed as expected, although we were not fast enough to play a significant role,” Sports Director Michiel Elijzen said. “Kudos to Robert. He did very well. He built up to his time trial perfectly.” 

Bram Tankink and Maarten Wynants lost quite some time on winner and new race leader Tony Martin. The difference between Tankink, the best-ranked Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM rider, and Martin is 1-19 minutes. Elijzen remains hopeful, however.

“You never know, anything can happen. Martin is far ahead, but we still have two tough rides left.” 

They face the the traditional hilly stage with start and finish in Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure tomorrow. Elijzen will give his riders all the freedom they need.

“Bram, Sep Vanmarcke and Maarten Wynants are allowed to do what they can and want. If a sprint is going to decide the stage, Paul Martens and Robert are allowed to give it a go.”