As the big home team and with in-form sprinter Theo Bos on the start line, Belkin were the big favourites to win yesterday's Ronde van Drenthe. As everybody looked on them to chase down the big breakaway, however, the team came away from the race empty-handed.

It was a hard day in the saddle for the Belkin Pro Cycling Team as the Ronde van Drenthe ended in a small bunch sprint from a break away. The colder weather of Europe proved hard to adjust to for riders returning from Langkawi, but Belkin rode beautifully to control the first half of the race with Australian Jack Bobridge keeping the sprinters out of the wind and out of trouble for the initial 100km.

"At 100km there was a big move and 16 riders got away," explained Sports Director Frans Maassen. "Unfortunately we didn't get a man in that move and then everyone looked to us as the strongest team to close the gap. With no help from any other teams we just didn't have the horsepower to do that today but tomorrow we will be better."

Graeme Brown, back from racing in the 100% humidity and 40 degree climate of Malaysia was equally as sanguine;

"We rode our hearts out today but it was hard adjusting back to the cold. Jack especially did a fantastic job and we were really well protected but it was just a bit too much for us today. Tomorrow will be much better for us."

The Belkin Pro Cycling Team take on the flatter and faster Dwars door Drenthe tomorrow aiming for sprint win.