Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s local rider Nick van der Lijke will have the freedom to fight for the win in the Ronde van Zeeland Seaports this Saturday in The Netherlands.

Belgian Bert-Jan Lindeman proved how a home advantage can help a rider when he finished second in the Albert Achterhes Pet Ronde van Drenthe this weekend. Now it is the young Dutchman’s turn.

“I live in Rotterdam now and the race doesn’t pass through my home region of Walcheren, but of course this race gives me a special feeling,” Van der Lijke said.

“I hope to be seen at the front in my home race. I expect a great race with wind and cobblestones. I’d love to win, but mostly I hope to do well with the team and bag a result.”
 

Van der Lijke is not the only rider who is allowed to go for his own chances. “We won’t start with one real leader,” said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman.

“Barry Markus proved that he’s on the right track. If it comes down to a sprint, he could get in the mix. Mike Teunissen is doing very well and knows his way around on the cobblestones. He is a big talent, which we aim to improve step by step. I expect a lot from him this Saturday. The same counts for local star Nick van der Lijke of course. Besides that Tom Van Asbroeck is back in the peloton after his injury.

“Barry, Mike, Brian Bulgac and Timo Roosen raced in Drenthe last weekend. They came close to a victory twice. It shows that they’re doing well. I’m looking for an attentive and aggressive race on Saturday.”

Team line-up:
Brian Bulgac, Nick van der Lijke, Barry Markus, Timo Roosen, Mike Teunissen, Tom Van Asbroeck and Kevin De Weert.