Bauke Mollema exceeded everyone’s expectation with his performance in last year’s Tour de France, as he finished sixth in the general classification. Even though the 27-year old Dutchman didn’t impress in opening months of the 2014 season, he eventually seemed to find his rhythm during the Ardennes classics campaign and insists to be better than ever before taking on the French grand tour once again.

Pleased with the result obtained last season, Mollema lines-up at the Tour de France without having precisely defined objectives. However, the Belkin Procycling leader hopes to use his extremely strong team to gain advantage on other general classification contenders as soon as possible, and several stages of the opening week – especially second and already infamous fifth, certainly will provide him with this kind of opportunities.

“I think we have a strong team with experienced riders to animate the first week, including men like Sep Vanmarcke, Lars Boom, Maarten Wynants and Bram Tankink. I hope they will be able not only to keep me at the front but also to let me gain some time,” Mollema told Cycling.be.

“Following the first week of the Tour, I hope I’ll be able to tell what exactly I could target. I think Chris Froome is the big favorite and Alberto Contador his biggest challenger. Behind them, probably it’s going to be quite a battle for the remaining spots within the top ten.”

Even though Mollema didn’t have an impressive build-up period, the 27-year Dutchman insists to be stronger then ever while approaching the French grand tour.

“I’m not better in climbing or time trialing, but I’m able to generate more power in the decisive moments. Consequently, the former skills probably should get better too.”