Wilco Kelderman found himself on the defensive in today's final stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné when he failed to make it into the 23-rider group that made the race explode. The Dutchman regretted not reacting to the attacks as he could have finished on the podium if he had not been too focused on Alberto Contador.

Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM’s Wilco Kelderman ended a very successful Critérium du Dauphiné today with seventh place in the tough final stage, fourth overall and the young rider’s white jersey. 

Mikel Nieve (Sky) won the stage to Courchevel after 130 hilly kilometres, Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp) took the overall lead from Alberto Contador’s (Saxo-Tinkoff) and Chris Froome (Sky) slipped to 12th overall. 
 

“It was very early in the stage that Nieve, Talansky and Van den Broeck attacked with some others. Just after the first climb. I could have followed them, but I watched Contador and he waited,” said Kelderman. 

“On the penultimate climb, Froome and Contador kept looking at each other and so I decided to attack Nibali and Fuglsang. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t bridge to the leaders. They kept me hanging at around twenty seconds. That’s unlucky because otherwise I could have finished third overall, ahead of Van den Broeck. Anyway, I won the white jersey and I’m very happy with that.” 
 

Sports Director Erik Dekker was at a loss for words afterwards.

“As a cycling fan, I’m speechless about today's stage. It was an amazing fight. 

"We have achieved all our goals this week. Wilco claimed a second, third and fifth place. Today, he ends up fourth overall and in the white jersey. 

“The men gave everything they had and this is just a great result. Martijn Keizer did some important work today. He helped Wilco back to the front after the first climb.”