While Robert Gesink and Wilco Kelderman vie for the top spot at LottoNL-Jumbo during this year’s Tour de France the dependable Steven Kruijswijk finds himself in the position of underdog, flying under the radar and attracting little attention ahead of Saturday’s Grand Depart in Utrecht.
And the unassuming Kruijswijk would not have it any other way. Just over a month ago he locked horns with Alberto Contador and a pocket of the best climbers in the world at the Giro d’Italia and came away with a creditable seventh overall and a sense of admiration from cycling fans for his aggressive riding style. That he clawed his way back from a disastrous opening week only magnified how he rallied in the second half of the race.
At the Tour LottoNL have come with four climbers, their four aces that include Kelderman, Gesink, Kruijswijk and Laurens ten Dam. All four have the pedigree to lead and ride into the top 10, even top five at a push, although Kelderman is probably the rider who shines brightest at present.
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For Kruijswijk, however, the plan is to simply survive the opening nine days of this year’s race with the cobbles, wind and predicted rain all set to reek havoc on the peloton. The Dutchman will not be expected to ride for others and has a pass to look after himself before the second half of the race opens up with the mountains. Should LottoNL emerge from the rest day with their four climbers fit, healthy and in form, Kruijswijk will be allowed off the leash with stage wins the order of the day.
The question for now is how well has Kruijswijk recovered after the Giro d’Italia.
“That’s a bit of a question mark for myself,” he told Cyclingnews after he left the stage at the end of his team’s pre-race press conference in Utrecht.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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