By many, Wilco Kelderman was tipped to take over the white jersey in today's Giro d'Italia but even though he rode well to finish 5th, he came up short against Rafal Majka. Despite being pleased with his performance, the Dutchman lamented a motorcycle that had hindered him in the first part of the stage.

Wilco Kelderman moved into fifth overall in the Giro d'Italia after finishing seventh in stage 12’s time trial. The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM’s youngster completed the 42-kilometre parcours from Barbaresco to Barolo in 59’37”. 

Omega Pharma-QuickStep’s Rigoberto Uran won the time trial and took the pink jersey from Cadel Evans (BMC).

“I couldn’t have gone any faster and I’m definitely happy with this result,” said Kelderman. “It’s always nice to move up a few places. It’s just a shame that Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo) was so strong. The white jersey stayed out of my reach because of that. I’m now fifth overall and for the rest of the race, I will give my all to defend that position. However, finishing in the top ten is still my main goal.” 

Kelderman didn’t start the time trial as he’d hoped.

“A TV motorbike was riding next to me a few times so I couldn’t cut some of the corners as I would’ve liked. I was a bit pissed off because that took away some of my focus. The final part went a lot better.” 

“It was very exciting time trial for us,” said Sports Director Frans Maassen. “Especially since the roads were wet and Wilco, of course, had to race on the edge, but I have to say that he did an excellent job.” 

Maassen and his riders knew what to expect.

“Mathieu Heijboer already previewed the course a month ago and shot a video that the men watched last night. This morning, we did another recon so we were well prepared.” 

The Giro continues tomorrow with a flat stage that suits the sprinters. The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM will focus on staying out of trouble. 

“A bunch kick is very likely tomorrow,” said Maassen. “Jetse Bol won’t be able to get in the mix in the sprint as he’s not fully recovered from his crash. He’s doing a lot better, though. We hope to get through the day unscathed so that we can do well in the weekend stages.”