The Eneco Tour, one of only two Dutch WorldTour events alongside the Amstel Gold Race, has special importance for the Belkin Pro Cycling Team this year as the team races on home soil, apart from the stages that run through Belgium, and with defending champion Lars Boom.

"Every Dutch team or rider has this race circled in red on the calendar," explained Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. "Last year, we picked up the victory with Lars and we really enjoyed that. Lars is again our leader together with Wilco Kelderman." Boom's 2012 title adds some extra pressure, said Verhoeven, but not a sense of noblesse oblige. "There are several strong teams. And besides that, the parcours is slightly more selective than in previous years."

The first four flat stages serve up opportunities and pitfalls for Team Belkin. "Lars and Wilco will need to be focused during those days, you can lose the race there," Verhoeven said. "On the other hand, we have a strong sprint train that will give Theo Bos a chance to win. Theo is one of the best sprinters in the world." The Dutchman stressed his status in the Ster ZLM Tour, where he defeated Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano).

Lars Boom is determined to defend his title. He finished the Tour de France in a good shape and with ambitions. "Last year, I took the victory, which remains the goal again for this year. Wilco and I can help each other, which makes us both stronger."

The Eneco Tour begins on Monday August 12. You can follow the live action from the Eneco Tour right here starting on Monday August 12.

Belkin line-up for Eneco Tour:

Lars Boom, Theo Bos, Graeme Brown, Jos van Emden, Wilco Kelderman, Mark Renshaw, Bram Tankink and Maarten Tjallingii