Wilco Kelderman struggled in today's mountain time trial on the Monte Grappa but defended his 8th place in the overall standings. The young Dutchman is still hopeful that he can pass Cadel Evans in tomorrow's decisive stage to the top of the Monte Zoncolan.

Wilco Kelderman managed to hold on to his eighth place in the overall of the Giro d' Italia today. The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM Dutchman placed 16th in the 26.8-kilometre mountain time trial. Race leader Nairo Quintana won the 19th stage. Cadel Evans moved up to seventh, while Ryder Hesjedal dropped into ninth. 

“I couldn’t have gone any faster and I’m happy that I’m still eighth,” said Kelderman. “This is my place in this Giro. The first six riders are simply faster. 

“In the first flat part I tried to save some energy. I didn’t want to start too fast. On the climb, I just went all in. I didn’t do a bike change because then you have to get used to that second bike again.” 

Sports Director Jan Boven was happy with Kelderman’s ride against the clock.

“Although last year he did better, I think. But that’s only normal because he was riding for Robert Gesink then and was able to take it easy now and then. This year, he’s racing at his limit every day.” 

The pack finishes on the mighty Monte Zoncolan tomorrow, over 1,700 metres high. Boven said, “Tomorrow is going to be a sort of time trial, as well. The riders will probably finish one by one. Hopefully, Marc Goos can help Wilco until the final climb. He’s doing some great work in this final week.” 

Kelderman knows that the gap between him and Evans is just four seconds.

“I’m going to try to pass him in the overall tomorrow. It will be every man for himself on the Zoncolan and many riders will try to defend their position. I’m going for that seventh spot.” 

Jos van Emden orchestrated a very special moment during today’s time trial. While some riders stopped for a bike change, the Dutchman stopped his ride to propose to his girlfriend. She said yes.