Bauke Mollema faces his first important test as the Trek Factory Racing leader at the Vuelta a Andalucia this week, hoping for a strong result in the general classification. The 28-year old Dutchman is aware that decent rivals won't make achieving that goal easy, but is eager to find out where he currently stands with his disposition compated to the likes of Alberto Contador, Chris Froome or Wilco Kelderman.

„It's a good thing to compete against such riders, this way I'll know where I stand,” Mollema told NuSport. „Froome is always strong early in the season, Contador probably aims to peak a little later but should be there too. Then there are riders like Peraud, Bardet and Kelderman.”

Despite a star-studded line-up in this year's Ruta del Sol, Mollema hopes for a good result in the general classification following his encouraging performances at the Challenge Mallorca and Vuelta a Murcia.

„Considering a level I'm currently at, Ruta definitely presents a good chance for me. It would be great if I could obtain a good result and reward the team for a trust they provided me with,” the 28-year old Dutchman concluded