With a fourth place in the GC and the white jersey on his shoulders, Wilco Kelderman (Belkin) was already doing well in the Tour of Denmark. On Saturday, however, it only got better when the 22-year-old won the stage five time trial and captured the overall lead.
Kelderman took over the yellow jersey in the Tour of Denmark after winning the second of two stages as he won the 12.1km stage-5 individual time trial in Holbaek in 14 minutes and 35 seconds, just two seconds better than Timofey Kritskiy (Katusha) and three faster than Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling).
“This is more than I could dream of,” Kelderman told Cyclingquotes.com after the stage. “I’m super happy. I never thought I could win this time trial. It was really fast and I’m a lightweight rider at 65 kilos, so the route was better suited for heavier riders,” Kelderman said smilingly when discussing the time trial with Cyclingquotes.com.
“I was really surprised that I was able to win. I knew I was capable of delivering a good time trial when I’m in form but I hadn’t seen a win coming. This is my best time trial ever.”
After the stage Kelderman took time to sign autographs and chat with a great number of spectators crowding the finish area.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. I really like this race. After last year I have returned to the Tour of Denmark with the aim of going for the general classification, and now I’m wearing this yellow tunic,” Kelderman said. “This is my first win as a professional rider so it really means something special to me,” Kelderman added before praising the Danes for their unyielding support for the race.
Earlier Saturday, Magnus Cort Nielsen (Cult Energy) won stage 4, a 102.5km road race from Hoeng to Asnaes. Matti Breschel (Saxo-Tinkoff) finished ninth and defended his overall lead.
But after the time trial it was Kelderman who stood atop the general classification with a six-second edge over Lars Bak (Lotto-Belisol) and 15 seconds on Breschel, who slipped to third.
The Tour of Denmark ends Sunday with a 165km stage from Roskilde to Frederiksberg.
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