In his column in De Telegraaf, Robert Gesink has indicated that he would like to at the start of next year's Giro d'Italia with GC ambitions. The start of the Italian stage race will be in the Netherlands, and the Dutchman will see the peloton pass through his area. "For me this is a unique home race," said the rider of LottoNL-Jumbo.

"There is also a stage through the Achterhoek in Gelderland and, for me, it is a unique home race . When I see how good I performed at a Tour start in the Netherlands, I see the next Giro as a challenge," Gesink explained. "But I need to get the nod from my team."

GC ambitions in Italy mean a different role in the Tour de France. "I would love to do the Tour de France with a different approach," writes the the rider who was 6th in the last Tour. "I want notto go for the GC and focus more on stage wins."

Gesink keeps the battle for Olympic medals  in mind as the Olympics come shortly after the Tour. "Especially in view of the Olympic road race in Rio de Janeiro which takes place two weeks after the end of the Tour. The course in Brazil is pretty heavy and good for climbers. Therefore I see this as a unique opportunity. "