Moreno Hofland (Belkin) won the final race of his 2013 season at the Tour of Hainan and today he continued the trend when he won the final stage of his first competition in 2014, the Vuelta a Andalucia. The young sprinter has now set his sights on more success in a week's time in the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.
Moreno Hofland of the Belkin Pro Cycling Tean began his season with a win today in the Vuelta a Andalucía. He sprinted to victory in the final stage in Fuengirola ahead of Nikias Arndt (Giant-Shimano) and Kenneth Vanbilsen (Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise).
"It has special meaning taking the first win of the season for the team," Hofland said. "And of course it means a lot to me to win in my first race of the year."
Hofland, 22 from The Netherlands, relied on heavy hitters like Bauke Mollema to deliver the win. He also had first year professional, Nick Van Der Lijke guiding him to the close of the 159.8-kilometres stage in southern Spain.
Sports Director Merijn Zeeman was a happy man.
"He's a winner and wanted to come away with something. He wasn't happy with yesterday's third place."
The win starts his season how Hofland ended last year, with success. In October in China's Tour of Hainan, the he won three stages and the overall.
Zeeman explained that the team planned for every scenario. He believed an escape would succeed today so he had Laurens ten Dam ready. Ten Dam stayed away for some time but Movistar controlled the escape's advantage and brought the race to a sprint. Belkin planned for that too.
"We talked about that scenario before the stage,” Zeeman said. “We reconnoitered the final kilometres and knew the crucial points. Tom Dumoulin [Giant-Shimano] was strong and we were afraid he was going to stay away."
"The guys supported me, first with Laurens in the escape," added Hofland. "With Tom Dumoulin in front, Lars Petter Nordhaug and Jonathan Hivert worked to reel him in. Bauke led-out and Nick finished it off.
"That work makes the win mean so much more," said Zeeman. "Nick finished it off in the final kilometre. He put Moreno in the perfect position."
Hofland and Van Der Lijke raced together in the Rabobank Development team. Hofland explained that they know each other well and that it helps. He also complimented Van Der Lijke, who "hit the front at the right moment."
Hofland travels home ahead of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on Sunday and Paris-Nice in two weeks. With Barry Markus, Belkin has many options if the Belgian semi-classic finishes in a sprint.
"We have an important weapon," Zeeman explained. "We have a lot of classics riders but with Moreno they know the team has options if it comes to a sprint."
Hofland agreed.
"Kuurne suits me with its hills and possible cross-winds."
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