In February, Martijn Keizer was picked up by Belkin when he was given the chance to sign a contract with the team at a time when he had almost resigned himself to ride at continental level. Today he started to pay back the favour when he almost finished on the podium in Nokere Koerse.

Martijn Keizer finished close to the podium in Nokere Koerse today in Belgium. The Dutchman of the Belkin Pro Cycling Team faded right before the end after having spent the whole day in a breakaway. 

Keizer escaped the peloton with 16 other riders after around fifty kilometres. Thanks to a good understanding among the group’s members, they quickly built a three-minute lead. The first battles took place when the local laps started and the break tackled the cobbled Nokereberg at an average of 5.7% every fifteen kilometres. Keizer survived every time and seemed on his way to a top three finish. 

“But Gert Steegmans attacked with five kilometres to go and that ruined the cooperation in the group, which was only seven men strong at that point,” said Keizer. “I tried to bridge but couldn’t close the gap. With one kilometre to go, we started our sprint. I felt the podium was within reach but in the final 200 metres, the peloton caught us.” 

Keizer faded to 97th place. Kenny Dehaes of team Lotto-Belisol snatched the victory and Belkin’s Barry Markus placed tenth. 

Missing out on the podium gave Keizer a sour feeling but he was satisfied with the way he raced. 

“I really thought I was able to finish on the podium, so that’s quite a bummer, but it’s nice to see that my shape is good,” said Keizer. “Surviving all of the climbs was a nice confirmation for me and the team as well. It gives me confidence that I can contribute to the team in the next few races. My main task is to support the leaders, but here at Belkin we have a lot of freedom. It’s nice to know that I can finish things off myself if it’s necessary.”