Next year Wilco Kelderman is set to make his debut in the Tour de France which starts in his home country. The young Dutchman is excited about the challenge but would have preferred the course to have had more time trialling.

Following the presentation of the full route for the 2015 Tour de France, the excitement is growing for Wilco Kelderman. Next year the 23-year-old Belkin rider will make his debut in La Grande Boucle in the Dutch city of Utrecht, close to his hometown of Veenendaal.

"It's the same province so that makes it extra special," Kelderman told NOS. "I am super excited. Actually, I have been looking forward to it for two years. I would have preferred the inclusion of a long time trial but it is also beautiful to start with a short time trial in Utrecht. Time trials suit me."

After the first stage in Utrecht, the Tour continues with the second stage from Utrecht to Zeeland Neeltje Jans. 

"It's a shame that they don't continue to Veenendal in the direction towards Arnhem. That would have been a beautiful stage with some climbs. Of course I know it very well. In case, there will hopefully be lots of family and friends along the roads.

In the fourth stage from Seraing (Belgium) to Cambrai (France) the cobblestones are set to return

"I have no experience on the cobbles," Kelderman said. "This is exciting and something I am looking forward to. It is always nice to see."

This year Kelderman did the Giro d'Italia (7th) and the Vuelta a España (14th) for Belkin and next year he will do the Tour for the first time.

"The Giro was my main goal, and that went very well," said Kelderman. "Seventh in GC and I could even attack on the climbs. I had expected more in the Vuelta.In the final week, I was unable to recover. That had something to do with the long season. But it was still pretty good to finish 14th in the final standings.

Next year Kelderman's main goal will be the Tour de France.

"I will definitely not do the Giro. I am looking forward to the Tour and then we'll see if I can fit the Vuelta into my schedule. We have not spoken about that yet."

With Robert Gesink and Laurens ten Dam, Team LottoNL, the successor of Belkin, has several cards for the GC. The Tour is loaded with mountains and the 20th stage finishes on the "Dutch mountain" of Alpe d'Huez which is a new experience for Kelderman.

"On paper, we have three good riders for the GC," said Kelderman. "Laurens has done very well in recent years and in the Vuelta Robert has proved that he is back on track. We do not really know what the plan is. A free role is an option, but we need to look at how we are at the time."

"It's a beautiful, but difficult course," concludes Kelderman. "It is certainly not in my disadvantage. But actually the course doesn't make much of a difference. When I am in shape, I am climbing well."