Bauke Mollema (Trek) has had a good debut season in the American squad’s ranks, finishing second in Tirreno, sixth in San Sebastian and seventh in the Tour de France. With his aims now the Canadian races and Worlds, the 28 year old says he is still improving as a rider.

“I’m in the moment in my career that I’m still progressing and still making steps. A lot of riders are at their best in their 30s, I’m 28 now and I’m still progressing. I’m hoping in the future to have some good results,” Mollema told Marca.

“I hope to be on the podium in a Grand Tour for sure. I’ve been fourth in the Vuelta a España in 2011, sixth and seventh in the Tour de France already. I’m almost there I think. I have to make one small step to finish on the podium in a Grand Tour I think. It will be difficult to make that step but I’m still improving so hopefully I can make it.”

Mollema will have had exactly a month off between San Sebastian and his next race, the Tour of Alberta and will hope the rest does him well in the final big races of the year. Nevertheless, he says his first year at his new team has been good and he likes the atmosphere in the team.

“I’m really happy with my team Trek Factory Racing this year. After so many years with Rabobank, Belkin and Blanco it’s a new step and I’m really happy with the move,” said Mollema. “It’s a new environment, new teammates, new people and I think it works well for me. I’m really happy with the confidence and the direction that the team has for me. I made a good step in Tirreno-Adriatico and at the Tour de France I was strong again and I hope to stay with this team a long time.”