Bauke Mollema announced last August he would move from Belkin to Trek. However, the man from Groningen had a few months earlier made his decision. His doubt even came in October 2012, after Rabobank withdrew as a sponsor. Trek was his first choice.

"The structure, riders and method appealed to me. Last year, after the spring classics I tied the knot. I needed a new challenge," Mollema tells De Telegraaf. "Frankly I looked after the Vuelta in 2011 and could hardly progress any more. In 2011, three years later I had hoped to be a lot further than where I eventually got in 2014."

Trek is extensive attention to detail. Thus, his saddle is put an inch lower. "In the professional business, detail really means a lot. Measurements indicated that my flexibility on the bike is not perfect, so I better transfer the force on my pedals with this attitude. It is just one of many changes."

According to his new teammate Fabian Cancellara, he has done well to change employer.

"It was time for a change of team for him," Cancellara told De Telegraaf. "If you as a professional only ride for one team, you go after a few years doing everything in a routine. It is in a different environment that you get inspired again and you discover things to improve."

Mollema agrees with Cancellara. "After seven years, Rabobank/Belkin, where I mostly worked with the same people, it is refreshing to ride with new people. These are small things. I've done exactly what I was told. When you realize quickly that it works, you get even more motivation.”