Known as a sprinter, Theo Bos rarely chases overall success in stage races but this weekend he will make an exception. As the Belkin leader in the World Ports Classic, he hopes to both win a stage and the overall in the short, flat, windy race.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM has been successful in the first two editions of the World Ports Classic, a two-day Belgian-Dutch stage race. In 2012, Theo Bos sprinted to victory in Rotterdam and last year, Maarten Tjallingii rode away solo to Antwerp. This weekend, May 24 and 25, the team wants to make it three in a row. 

“If it comes down to a bunch sprint, we can rely on Theo and will support him,” said Sports Director, Merijn Zeeman. “We have several options, however. We have some guys who can do something similar to what Maarten Tjallingii did last year.”

Zeeman and the team’s other DS for race, Michiel Elijzen, want that their riders arrive sharp and ready for the opening stage from Rotterdam to Antwerp on Saturday. The next day, they will have to race in the opposite direction, from Antwerp to Rotterdam. 

“The rain and wind always influence races like the World Ports Classic”, said Zeeman. 

“We’re going to prepare ourselves the best we can with the help of Weerplaza's weather forecast, but one thing is already clear, we will make it an attractive race.” 

Theo Bos looks forward to the World Ports Classic. The Dutch sprinter is hoping for a repeat of 2012 and perhaps more... 

“I think it’s a nice race. The wind always plays a big role and so it is important to be attentive and make sure that you’re always in the first echelon. 

“Two years ago, I won the second stage after I pulled the sprint for Mark Renshaw in the first, which cost me some seconds. This time I want to do well in both stages. After the first stage, I’ll see where I sit in the GC, but if I want to win a stage race for once, this is a suitable race.” 
 

Theo Bos, Graeme Brown, Jonathan Hivert, Nick van der Lijke, Tom Leezer, Bram Tankink, Robert Wagner and Dennis van Winden.