In 2014 Wilco Kelderman was heralded as the next big thing in Dutch stage racing. Seventh in the Giro d'Italia was backed by fourth at the Criterium du Dauphine and it looked as though Belkin Pro Cycling had their hands on one of the hottest young prospects in the sport.
However two years of unfulfilled expectations followed, with back-to-back disappointments at the Tour de France punctuated by the occasional flicker of talent that first shone. At just 25 years old Kelderman appeared to be yesterday's news but a new team, and a new chance have offered the rider a fresh start. It could be just what he needs.
In a rather desolate hotel lobby on the outskirts of yet another wintery Spanish holiday destination, Cyclingnews waits for the new Sunweb rider to appear. On the other side of the lobby a number of his new teammates are enjoying a post-training ride coffee, and the softly spoken Kelderman gives them a familiar smile as he sits down a few tables away with us to talk about his past, present and future.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I had five years at Lotto Jumbo and I just felt that I needed that change. Something different and new people around me," he tells us straight off the bat.
"I've always been curious about how other teams worked and there were options but this team had a really interesting story, and they already had some Dutch riders, so it made sense."
- 12 transfers to watch in 2017
- Wilco Kelderman joins Giant-Alpecin on two-year contract
- Five riders for the future
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/2hfAbvQ
No comments:
Post a Comment