A few weeks ago, it was announced that Robert Gesink would return to competition in the Ster ZLM Toer which starts on Wednesday. After a recent crash, he has decided to postpone his comeback and instead Belkin will be led by Paul Martens and Theo Bos in their home race.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM is determined to get in the mix for stage victories in the Ster ZLM Toer (18-22 June) every day of the Dutch race. Sports Director Michiel Elijzen packs a versatile group of riders at his disposal and is full of confidence. 

“We have men to fight for wins on a daily basis,” said Elijzen. “Starting with the prologue. Robert Wagner won last season’s edition, and has set his sights on the opening day again this year. Furthermore, we have Theo Bos for the sprint stages, and with some strong supporting men, we can surprise through an escape. Paul Martens is a contender for the difficult stage to La Gileppe that dips into Belgium. He could also do well in the overall, when we deliver in the stages that comes by itself.” 

Last year's winner, Lars Boom, is not starting, but Martens, second in last weekend’s Ronde van Limburg, is looking forward to the Ster ZLM Toer. 

“For me, the stage to La Gileppe is an interesting one. Since I've known I’m going to ride this race, I have had that stage in my head," Martens said. "There's also a nice challenge to assist Theo in the sprints as a team. We have shown to have a good train, and we like to battle the top sprinters in the race.” 

The Ster ZLM Toer was planned as Robert Gesink’s first race since the treatment for cardiac arrhythmia, but after a spill during altitude training in Spain's Sierra Nevada, he is again building his form, and not yet fully prepared. Gesink has problems with his hip and abductors, and doesn’t want to force things. He’ll shift his focus to races soon to come. 
 

TEAM line-up:

Jetse Bol, Theo Bos, Graeme Brown, Jos van Emden, Rick Flens, Paul Martens, Maarten Tjallingii and Robert Wagner.