Less than a week after finishing the Giro d'Italia in 7th overall, Wilco Kelderman chases more success at the WorldTour level when he lines up as Belkin leader in the Criterium du Dauphiné. In addition to supporting their captain, the team wants to race aggressively in the many medium mountain stages.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM wants to get in mix on two fronts in the Critérium du Dauphiné. Wilco Kelderman, seventh overall in the Giro d’Italia, hopes to continue his good run of form and do well in the general classification. The other seven riders will attack and fight for stage wins. 

“The Giro was a major goal for Wilco, hopefully he’s able to fight with the best again in the Dauphiné,” said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. “Physically and mentally, it’s going to be tough, but we’ll assist and support him as good as possible as a team.” 
 

The Critérium du Dauphiné starts Sunday with a 10-kilometre time trial. Only a day later, the pack faces a summit finish. 

“After two days, the overall will be mostly settled,” said Zeeman. “In the days after, there will be plenty of opportunities for attackers. I think there is only one stage that’s suitable for sprinters. The other days are hard. We see chances for breakaways and we have taken that into account when we selected our team. If you want to do things right, you have to do it with the whole squad. We certainly won’t be the only team that wants to attack. It’s going to be a real fight.” 
 

Zeeman has big expectations for Lars Boom. The Dutchman also wants to show himself in the Critérium du Dauphiné. 

“I had a heavy training period. I was in Portugal after the Tour of California with my family. While they were enjoying a holiday, I trained. I only got better after California. Hopefully, I can demonstrate that in the Dauphiné. I want to attack and hopefully, sprint for a win from a small group.” 
 

TEAM line-up:

Jack Bobridge, Lars Boom, Jonathan Hivert, Martijn Keizer, Wilco Kelderman, Nick van der Lijke, Lars Petter Nordhaug and Bram Tankink.