Team Belkin took a collective beating in yesterday's hard La Drome Classic in France. Having missed all the key escapes, the team was on the back foot the entire race and came away from the event emppty-handed.

The Belkin Pro Cycling Team experienced a heavy Sunday afternoon in France. Erik Dekker’s riders were slowly but surely burned up during the hilly, nearly 200 kilometres Valence Drôme Classic. Stef Clement finished 29th at 9’01” behind winner Romain Bardet (AG2R).

However, the Sports Director chose to see the bright side of things. 

“Everything has its purpose,” said Dekker. “Everyone has learned something or improved. Our actions today weren't great, but our reactions were just fine. The boys repeatedly put in nice efforts to straighten things out, but unfortunately we couldn’t get a result.” 

An extremely rough battle was fought around the city of Valence on Sunday. Strong wind and steep climbs promised a tough race and when the Belkin Pro Cycling Team missed out on an early break, it didn't make things easier. 

“In the end, everything came back together again, but at the moment everybody was exhausted," said Dekker. "We started here with seven riders instead of eight, and because of his knee problems, Paul Martens wasn’t a part of our tactical plan, so actually we were with six. Paul felt good, however. He was able to do some work, anyhow. He has a big smile on his face right now, because his knee felt fine. That's good news.” 

First-year pro Nick van der Lijke made it through a rough day.

“It didn't go very well. I didn’t feel at the top of my game. I had some problems with my stomach and wasn’t able to eat and drink a lot. During a heavy race it’s important that you’re completely fit. Still, I have learned some valuable lessons. I always try to pick up some little things from the older guys.” 

Van der Lijke is enjoying the first few months with the Belkin Pro Cycling Tean.

“I like it here. Everything is well organized and I feel at home.”