Team LottoNL-Jumbo travels with ambition to Canada for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (September 11) and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal (September 13). The team did well in past editions, when it always battled for the podium, but knows that past performances in sport are no guarantee for the future.

“We have shown that these Canadian races suit us,” Sports Director Jan Boven said. “Why? That’s a bit hard to say. Plouay is a similar race, but we never manage to make a difference there.”

Boven has not been a sports director on previous occasions in both Canadian classics. 

“But I’ve already talked with Frans Maassen. Both races have world championships worthy courses and the racing is like it is in a classic. The course is so heavy for example that Robert Gesink can beat Peter Sagan in a sprint, like two years ago.”

Boven is counting on Gesink, who has won both races in the past. 

“Robert has shown that he’s able to perform here. Sep Vanmarcke is in good shape, as well. The real plan we’ll make the day before the start.”

Gesink won in Montreal in 2010 and in Quebec in 2013. Last year, he didn’t travel to Canada, but the Dutchman returns this year with ambitions.

“I travelled to Canada a little earlier to get a small advantage over my competitors,” Gesink said. “This way, I can really focus on this race.

“When I arrived in Quebec, I immediately got the good feeling back. I worked hard to prepare for these races and trained intensively with Steven Kruijswijk. After a fantastic Tour de France, I’m back here and I’m aiming for the highest possible place.”

Team line-up:
Jos van Emden, Robert Gesink, Wilco Kelderman, Tom Leezer, Barry Markus, Paul Martens, Sep Vanmarcke & Maarten Wynants.