This week Robert Gesink is riding his first major race since he underwent heart surgery and today he faced the first test in the mountains. Despite finishing with the first group, the Dutchman admits that he is not yet good enough to fight with the best in this kind of finish.

Lars Petter Nordhaug was the first Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM rider to reach the line in the fifth stage of the Tour de Pologne today. On the uphill finish in Strbske Pleso, Slovakia, the Norwegian placed eighth. 

Robert Gesink wasn’t far behind. The Dutchman finished 22nd in the same time as stage winner Rafal Majka of Saxo-Tinkoff. He moved up to tenth overall. The Dutchman tried to escape on the final climb, but unfortunately wasn’t able to create a gap. 

“It was quite a hard race today,” said Gesink. “I was unlucky to puncture on the final climb during the first local lap. I flatted right when the race exploded. It took David Tanner, Paul Martens and myself a lot of energy to return to the pack, but it was good to see that we kept believing as a team. 

“Of course the flat tyre didn’t help, but I don’t think I was good enough yet to get in the mix with the best on an arrival like this, which we were able to do on the big ring. I’m happy I still finish in the first group as that offers opportunities for tomorrow.” 
 

Sports Director Michiel Elijzen praised the performance of Lars Petter Nordhaug.

“Lars Petter did well and looks ready for tomorrow, which is going to be another tough day. The men will need to complete a local lap including three climbs four times. For the non-climbers it’s not going to be a fun ride. I think the course suits Robert, though. Hopefully, he can do well again.” 

Gesink is looking forward to tomorrow.

“I feel good," Gesink added. "We hope to make it a good race.”