The versatile nature of the Eneco Tour offers opportunities for various types of riders next week. Team LottoNL-Jumbo, with Moreno Hofland and Wilco Kelderman leading the team, will aim to get involved on the various terrains in the only World Tour stage race of the Benelux.  

“Moreno feels good after a period of rest," Sports Director Nico Verhoeven said. “He showed that in some Belgium one-day race and in the London Prudential Classic, where he won the sprint of a large group and finished ninth. We will take a number of riders who can assist Moreno in the sprints. Our goal is to do well in those.”  

Kelderman will focus on the overall.

“But we shouldn’t instantly expect the world from Wilco, he ended the Tour de France not fully fit. He’s heading in the right direction, though.”

Perhaps to his benefit, the Eneco Tour gets tougher during the second part of the week.

“The time trial on the fourth day is important,” Verhoeven added. “After that we head into the hills and especially the last two days are difficult. The sting is in the tail.”  

Hofland is looking forward to making his debut in the Eneco Tour. 

“As a little boy I watched the race. Now people will come to watch me,” Hofland said. “The second and fourth stage finishes in Breda and Hoogerheide are close to my hometown Roosendaal. I want to get in the mix in the bunch sprints and post some good results. Of course, I would love to win a stage, but that’s always a challenge at WorldTour level. The feeling is certainly there after the races in Belgium and my ninth place in London.”  
 

Kelderman starts the Eneco Tour with some doubt.

“My back still feels a little stiff,” said the Dutch time trial champion.  “I don’t really know what to expect, but after my seventh place two years ago, I’m aiming for a top ten ranking once more. The time trial gives me extra encouragement. I look forward to putting on the national TT jersey in my own country in a WorldTour race. 

“Hopefully, I can get better over the week. We start with a good team. I’m excited.”  

Team line-up: 
Jos van Emden, Rick Flens, Moreno Hofland, Wilco Kelderman, Tom Leezer, Maarten Tjallingii, Robert Wagner & Maarten Wynants.