After a couple of flat stages, Bauke Mollema got a chance to test his climbing legs ahead of the three decisive stages of the Tour de Suisse in today's stage 6 of the race. The Belkin captain felt good and is now ready to give it his all in tomorrow's time trial.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM had a good final test in the Tour de Suisse on Thursday. In the sixth stage, the last 'flat' stage before Friday’s time trial and the heavy final weekend, everything went “according to plan” for the men of Sports Directors Nico Verhoeven and Jan Boven. 

Bauke Mollema ended up 11th in the bunch sprint, which was won by Matteo Trentin (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), and remains fourth overall. 

“Our GC men finished in the front,” said Verhoeven. “The narrow roads in the final wasn’t too bad since the pack broke into several pieces because of the climbs along the way.” 

“It was difficult,” said Mollema. “From the start, the pace was very high. Early on, a break was formed and quickly after several teams started the chase. The pace remained high from then on. I felt fine on the climbs. We knew the final and so we knew we had to sit in the front with one kilometre to go.” 

The riders face a hilly time trial Friday, with the start and finish in Worb. The 24.7-kilometre course includes several climbs. 

“We’re looking forward to tomorrow. It’s going to be an important day for our overall men, just as Saturday and Sunday. Stef Clement, Laurens ten Dam and Bauke Mollema will go for it.” 

Mollema knows what awaits him.

“The first real differences will arise tomorrow. Normally, Tony Martin will extend his lead. I’ll give my all and then I’ll see where I stand.”