Belkin head into their home race Eneco Tour with several cards to play. Former winner Lars Boom will join forces with Bauke Mollema, Bram Tankink and Sep Vanmarcke who can all shine in the many classics-like stages.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM will start the Eneco Tour on Monday with a strong group and not bet on one horse in the Dutch-Belgian World Tour race. 

"Our strength is the width of the team," said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. "We will not rely on a single leader. We'll use the power of all eight boys. Every day, we'll try to find opportunities and make a good plan. That way we'll automatically play a role in the overall with multiple guys. The last three stages are particularly heavy. If we still have some men high up then we stand a good chance." 

Zeeman thinks there are four real contenders within the team.

"Lars Boom already won the race once and, extra motivating, stage two finishes in his home town this year. Sep Vanmarcke, who rode a good Tour of Flanders, makes his return on familiar ground next week. Bauke Mollema is always good in Limburg and the Ardennes. Bram Tankink could well have some nefarious plans. Barry Markus is allowed to get in the mix in the sprints. The other guys are all riders who know how to force something." 
 

Zeeman expects that the six riders who have ridden the Tour de France can still benefit from their efforts in the Eneco Tour.

"Physically and mentally, the Tour has been a highlight after which some recovery is required. We are now two weeks away and when the boys feel fresh again, they can benefit from their French form. When I talk to the guys, I think they're going to be fine. Moreover, the Eneco Tour is a home race and we really want to give the fans something back for their support. That also lifts our spirit." 
 

Tankink said that he intends to pull something off in the Eneco Tour.

"I certainly have some nefarious plans. The Eneco Tour is a beautiful race that also suits me. Besides that, I ended the Tour in a good shape, so who knows. I have done some crits to stay busy and I'm confident that I will be good next week. The race will be decided in the final three days, which are tough and we have several guys who like that." 

TEAM line-up:

Lars Boom, Jos van Emden, Tom Leezer, Barry Markus, Bauke Mollema, Bram Tankink, Sep Vanmarcke and Maarten Wynants.