Team LottoNL-Jumbo did its job for Robert Gesink in the Tour of California’s summit finish to Mt. Baldy. Gesink took eighth as a result and Laurens ten Dam held on for 10th behind stage winner and new race leader, Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx – Quick Step).

Saturday’s stage to Mt. Baldy was expected to be the hardest stage of the week with its profile, but the high-pace from the beginning added to the difficulty. The teams wanted to protect their overall riders and keep them in front of the group, including Team LottoNL-Jumbo.

“We gave everything today,” Sports Director Erik Dekker said. “This was the highest we could reach. It was a violent stage with a high pace from the beginning. The team defended itself nicely, protected Robert and brought him at the right place. Afterwards, Laurens did his job. We did everything we could, but it wasn’t good enough to make the difference.”

Gesink and Ten Dam finished in the top ten as a result, but didn’t participate in the fight for the stage win. 

“We fought like a team”, Gesink said. “We showed our balls. My legs were good, but not exceptional.”

After his eighth place in the second-last stage, Gesink moved up to fifth place in the general classification. He is one minute, one second behind.