Stef Clement has finished third in the closing time trial of the Ruta del Sol. In the 14,2 kilometre race in and around Barbate Clement was seven seconds slower than winner David de la Cruz. Steven Kruijswijk clocked the thirteenth time and consolidated his seventh place in the overall classification.

Sports-director Addy Engels was not surprised about Clement’s result. “Stef is a good time trialist of course. We all know that, but a podium place in this competitive field is good, very good. Stef is more of a specialist in longer time trials, so this shows that his level is good. The course was special with the first part going uphill, but offroad. Steven also rode a good time trial. I can’t complain about today’s result”, Engels said.

Clement was, above all, happy to finish on the podium again. “I have had a good feeling all week. I never thought to finish on the podium in this competitive field, but it is always special and nice when it happens. Also because it doesn’t happen a lot. I am very happy with that. I had a very good day, I had good legs and everything fell into place.”

Team LottoNL-Jumbo rode a very solid Ruta del Sol, Engels said. “We can look back at this week with a positive feeling. The whole team showed a very good level and showed they are ready for the next races. The fact that Steven finished seventh overall in this competitive field proves that. We can build on this for the future. Furthermore, the young guys have improved over the winter. It was a pitty that Koen (Bouwman) had to leave the race due illness, but for the rest it was a good race for us.”