The Belkin Pro Cycling Team aimed for a result in the Tour of Lombardy with Bauke Mollema today, but during the race the leader realised a top performance was no longer in his legs. The Dutchman still tried to force something with a brave attack, however.

“Bauke indicated that he wasn’t as good as hoped,” said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman to the Belkin website. “When he felt that, he still tried to create himself some space with a move, but he didn’t have the legs that he wanted.”

Wilco Kelderman and Lars Petter Nordhaug were among the best men in the race until late in the final. Zeeman was satisfied with their performances in northern Italy.

“They have ridden a good race. They were in a select group of riders for a long time. Unfortunately, Nordhaug was involved in a crash in the final corner, otherwise he might have bagged a result. A top ten finish was still possible at that point.”

Laurens ten Dam already started his winter a few weeks ago break, but was required to race Il Lombardia after Nick van der Lijke’s absence.

“And things went pretty well,” the experienced rider said. “My morale was high and I was able to help my team-mates as much as possible. “At one point, I even started to believe I could hang on until the finish line. On one of the finals climb, I cracked, however. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the day. It was my first race in Italy this year and it was nice to experience that special Italian atmosphere again.”

Ten Dam was surprised that things went smoothly. “After the Vuelta, I did nothing for ten days. I went out camping with my son Jens.

“My wife and I are expecting a second child on 14 October. I wasn’t excited to leave my family. What if the contractions suddenly began for her? Now, I’m able to return home and enjoy the end of the season."