Bauke Mollema (Belkin) impressed on just his second day of racing in 2014 when he returned to the lead group in time for the final uphill sprint in the first stage of the Vuelta a Andalucia. Admitting Alejandro Valverde's superiority, the Dutchman was happy to see a hard winter's training pay off.

Bauke Mollema appears ready for 2014. The Dutchman recorded an excellent second place in today’s first stage of the Ruta del Sol. Alejandro Valverde, who leads after winning the prologue, was the only rider who was able to beat Mollema to the top of Alto Castillo De Santa Catalina. The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM rider is now seventh overall. 

“Of course I would have loved to win, but Valverde was simply too strong in the last hundred meters,” said Mollema.

He lost connection with the group after the peloton split in front of him on a steep part of the climb. 

“Luckily, I was able to close the gap as it stayed small. Right when I bridged the road flattened out which gave me the opportunity to recover a bit for the sprint. Unfortunately, Valverde was in a league of his own.” 

The 186-kilometre stage between Vélez Málaga and Jaén was the second race day of the year for Mollema, after he finished 51st in yesterday’s prologue. 

“I didn’t really know what to expect today,” said Mollema. “The first day back in the peloton is always a bit weird. With at least 4000 metres climbing, the course was very hard, but I have to say it went well. I didn’t really suffer. It shows that my condition is in order and that I’ve had a great winter.” 
 

Sports Director Frans Maassen was pleased with the way Mollema’s team-mates helped him to the finish line.

“The team worked hard. Bauke’s result is a boost for the entire team.” 

Tomorrow’s stage, the queen stage, finishes uphill at 1200 metres.

“A limited number of riders could win there,” said Maassen. “We will fight to get in the mix for the win, just as we will do every day.” 

You can read our preview of the race here.