Team LottoNL-Jumbo is looking forward to the always-challenging Arnhem-Veenendaal Classic on Friday, August 21. Sport Director Jan Boven brings an ambitious team to the start.
 

“The Arnhem-Veenendaal Classic is a tough race of 200 kilometres," Boven said. “Along the way, we have to tackle the Posbank climb six times, and we conclude the race with a few local laps including several climbs. Last year, the weather was bad, and the field split up. In the past, we’ve seen more of a man-to-man fight. As a team, we’ll be ready for what is coming.”

The team will start with two trainees: Twan Castelijns and Steven Lammertink.

"Twan has shown he can handle the level at the Tour de l'Ain. He worked hard and proved to be a perfect fit for the team. Steven was recently crowned European time trial champion, and should be able to do well on this course. Our time trial specialist Jos van Emden finished third last year.”

Wilco Kelderman, born in the region and hot off finishing third at the Eneco Tour, is one of the other top riders.

“Wilco knows how to handle long races, just like Steven Kruijswijk. With Barry Markus, we also have a fast man with us, and Nick van der Lijke is very ambitious after reaching a high level in the Tour de l’Ain.”

Van der Lijke likes what he sees when he peruses the course profile.

“I like the fact that several passages of the Posbank have been added. That makes the course more selective, and that's a plus for me. The sprinters will have a harder time, and in a possible sprint, they won’t be as fresh as normal. This offers opportunities for attackers.
“In France, I was fifth in a bunch sprint, and I reached a high level uphill. That was a nice confirmation for me, since I got ruled out with a broken collarbone. I aim to continue like this.”
 
Team line-up:
Steven Kruijswijk, Wilco Kelderman, Nick van der Lijke, Barry Markus, Twan Castelijns en Steven Lammertink.