Belkin’s young 22-year-old talent Wilco Kelderman is hoping to continue his rapid progression to the peak of the sport by winning the Giro d’Italia White Jersey. He already knows what it is like to wear the jersey, having worn it for 2 stages this year during his debut, where he finished 3rd in the White Jersey classification. He also finished 17th overall.

Due to teammates Bauke Mollema and Robert Gesink’s preference to do the Tour de France, Kelderman is likely to lead Belkin at the Giro. He will begin his season at the Volta ao Algarve.

"I have more time to work,” Kelderman told Bicicilismo. “Last year I only trained little before I began racing in Europe. My goals are to make good pacing’s in the stage races but my primary objective is the Giro.” After taking on the Volta ao Algarve, he will head to Paris-Nice, Volta Catalunya, before looking to the Giro d'Italia.”

Since joining Rabobank, last year, the Dutchman has been hot on the case of his teammates. He was 4th in the Dauphiné’s TT behind the likes of Wiggins and Tony Martin and he finished 8th overall and claimed the White Jersey in that race too.

He won the overall in the Denmark Rundt this year where he won the TT there also. He was also in the top 5 in Roamdie. He was the third rider in the World Tour standings after Mollema and Gesink. 

His contract expires at the end of next season and Belkin will have a fight on their hands to keep the talented GC hopeful.