WilcoKelderman of Team Sunweb wants a podium finish at the VueltaaEspana. His second place finish in Logrono is a big plus as he entered the third position with his better results compared to rival IlnurZakarin.
“The legs have been really good and every stage I have been getting better and the legs have been better. I will fight for the podium for sure and hopefully I will stay there.”
Kelderman showed determination to push up his figures in race. He was cycling really fast in Stage 16 as he wanted to beat the clock. He had the advantage over the race leader Chris Froome in the first check but he slipped 30 seconds in the end as he was clearly exhausted. He collapsed at the finish line and took his time to regain strength.
Froome had to congratulate him for such intense display. Kelderman blamed the wind and the timing of his run but Froome was actually impressive to still beat him. Kelderman was gutted that he did not win but he acknowledged that Froome was “just better” at the race.
Kelderman faces more tests on Wednesday at the peloton, with ramps up to 26 percent at the beginning. He says he would be patient for now but admitted that pictures showed it would be “steep and hard.”
To maintain his podium finish ambitions, he would need to be at his best. He promised to “go full again” and keep Team Sky on their toes. He is following the ‘patient dog’approach, hoping his legs and circumstances are favourable.