Team LottoNL-Jumbo showed itself in the first hour of the 17th stage of the Tour de France today. Despite many attempts, the team did not manage to get a rider in the decisive breakaway heading towards the summit finish at Finhaut-Emosson. Russian Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) broke away and won the stage.

“In the first 70 kilometres there was a big fight, and we did well as a team, but we had no one in the main escape,” said a disappointed Wilco Kelderman. “I tried four or five times. Three kilometres from the first summit, I was caught and Bennett was ready to go. But the peloton closed to him before he could bridge up."

 Everyone on the same plan

The peloton raced at full speed from Bern. In the first hour, they covered 52 kilometres. "I think every sports director told their riders to be in the breakaway. It was chaos in the first hour,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman said. “I heard Kelderman numerous times over the race radio and also Lindeman, Bennett and Roosen tried. When Kelderman was in a group with Rolland (Cannondale), we thought it was successful, but unfortunately, the peloton came back and a new group drove away. " 

"Once the peloton eases up, you know it's over and there is a lot of swearing in the car. I saw a combative team and that is good sign for the next stages.  Kelderman is back on the right track."

"My legs felt good, so I could attack. I wanted to make the escape, but maybe I tried too much,” Kelderman added. "It’s disappointing to attack, but still miss the good group. I must have more patience. Friday, I will go for it again. My legs are certainly a lot better. "

Time Limit

"To finish in time was another goal for our team,” added Zeeman. “It was especially important to get Dylan Groenewegen and Robert Wagner in a good group. Groenewegen had a very good day and was never in trouble. That's a good sign for the coming days.”