The Tour of Beijing presents a good opportunity for Chinese success for Robert Gesink and Wilco Kelderman, thanks to the added summit finish in this year’s edition. The two Belkin Pro Cycling Team riders enjoy the confidence of their Sports Directors in Asia and are supported by a strong team.

“With Robert and Wilco, we have two guys who can finish high up on GC,” said Sports Director Michiel Elijzen. “Tony Martin triumphed in the last two editions, but this year there’s an uphill finish and that is to our advantage. Robert and Wilco are certainly amongst the riders who can do well here.”

Elijzen also sees opportunities in other areas. In the flat stages, he counts on Moreno Hofland and Paul Martens. “We have a strong team. Moreno is particularly quick and Paul has been good all season.”

Robert Gesink remains full of ambition despite that fact the season is winding down. The Dutchman showcased his form in Sunday’s Tour of Lombardy, where he finished tenth.

“I had the feeling that there had been more in it for me if the race had turned out differently. I’m still motivated and my legs feel good. The fourth stage is difficult, with that summit finish after an over ten-kilometre climb with an average gradient of five per cent. I think that's in my favour. The circumstances here in town seem like a challenge as well, because you have to deliver a top performance in city smog.”

Belkin line-up for Tour of Beijing:

Jos van Emden, Robert Gesink, Marc Goos, Moreno Hofland, Wilco Kelderman, Tom Leezer, Paul Martens and Dennis van Winden.