Wilco Kelderman showed that he is ready for another top result in the Vuelta a Espana when he finished fourth in the uphill sprint on stage 3. The Dutchman admitted to being surprised by the result in a stage that also saw his teammate sprint to fourth.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM put two riders in the top five of stage three of the Vuelta a España today. After 197 kilometres through steamy Andalusia, Wilco Kelderman and Paul Martens finished fourth and fifth on the short but steep arrival in Arcos de la Frontera. 

Australian Michael Matthews of Orica-Green Edge won the stage and took over the general classification lead. Belkin claimed the stage win in the team classification thanks to Robert Gesink, placing 14th, in the same time as Matthews. Laurens ten Dam finished 41st at seven seconds. 

“We can be very happy with the fourth and fifth place, plus Robert finishing up front too,” said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. “Over the weekend, we already saw that our riders are in good shape, but today was a tough day, the peloton was suffering because of the high temperatures, and it’s good to see that our riders were still able to finish high up.” 
 

Kelderman was a little surprised by his fourth place.

“I’m very happy, but I didn’t expect this. It was a very heavy stage today. With 1.5-kilometres to go there was a very steep section. From that point on, it was a long sprint to the finish line. Lactate was everywhere.” 

“I really, really suffered in the final,” added Martens. “After I pulled the sprint for our overall men, I kept going. I did not explode and I came away with fifth place.” 

The high temperatures didn’t bother Gesink too much on Monday.

“I drunk around twenty bottles, but honestly I didn’t really suffer from the heat. I felt very well and I’m very satisfied with this result, especially when you look at the riders who are here.” 

Verhoeven has seen the weather forecast for tomorrow and knows that the thermometer could touch the 39-degree-mark.

“It’s going to be really hot, but our GC men seem to like that. I expect another sprint stage, a little less difficult than today’s. We have fond memories of the finish line in Cordoba. In 2009, Lars Boom won a Vuelta stage there.”