Wilco Kelderman looked strong on the lower slopes of the final climb in today's stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia and when he saw an opportunity to attack, he took off. In the end he paid for his efforts and conceded some time to his key rivals.

Wilco Kelderman took a risk today in the 18th stage of the Giro d’Italia but without success. The young Dutchman of the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM attacked to move up the general classification, but lost time to his rivals and finished 18th. However, he kept his grip on his eighth position in the overall. 

“When the pace dropped during the final climb, I thought to give it a try,” said Kelderman. “It was a risk, but if I’d managed to stay clear and maybe grab thirty seconds or so, I could have moved up a few places in the GC. I had more to gain than to lose, especially when you look at the differences in the overall. Unfortunately, the others caught me and I blew up a bit.” 

Trek’s Julian Arredondo won the 171-kilometre mountain stage from Belluno to Panarotta. The Colombian was part of a 14-man breakaway, including Belkin’s Martijn Keizer. On the final climb, the Dutchman lost ground, but still helped Kelderman before finishing 34th. 

“We know that Marc Goos can go a long way with Wilco. We let Martijn try an attack, keeping in mind that maybe he could do something for Wilco on the final climb,” said Sports Director Jan Boven. “After Martijn lost ground, he waited to do some dirty work for Wilco. That was perfect. It’s nice to see that everyone is so committed.” 

Friday is an important day for the GC riders. They face a 26.8-kilometre time trial between Bassano Grappa and Cima Grappa.

“Tomorrow, it’s up to Wilco,” said Boven. “Maybe he could move up some places in the overall. That would be awesome. If he remains eighth, it’s fine as well. If he can hold on to this position and this level of racing for two more days, he has ridden a very special tour, especially for his age. 

“For the others, tomorrow will be about reaching the line within the time limit. Everyone feels fit and is healthy, but we know Saturday is another tough day. We really want to reach Trieste with all of our eight remaining riders.”