LottoNL-Jumbo rider Wilco Kelderman finished 11th in the GP Quebec today behind winner Peter Sagan (Team Tinkoff). The world champion edged out Greg Van Avermaet (Team BMC) and Anthony Roux (FDJ) in a sprint after the 201-kilometre race.

The GP Quebec ran on a city circuit. The peloton had to cover 16 rounds, and right away, it rained attackes. LottoNL-Jumbo rider Twan Castelijns was in the escape of the day but the eight escapees never gained much of a lead on the pack.

"We wanted to be in the leading group. That worked out well with Twan Castelijns,“ said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven after the race. "The teams of the favorites worked hard behind them and they caught them with 50 kilometres to race. A classic finale with attacks from the top riders followed. 

"Timo Roosen rode a beautiful finale. He even jumped to join Moscon, Trentin and Allaphilippe, who were leading in the last kilometre. It is a pity that Wilco was not properly in position because he would at least had a top 10."

The other LottoNL-Jumbo riders hid in the peloton to ride a good final. Leader Wilco Kelderman was well protected. Kelderman came up short in the power sprint at the Grande Allée against guys like Sagan and Van Avermaet, and had to settle for a place just outside the top ten.

"I wanted to wait. Last year, I went too early in the attack on the flat roads towards the final climbs,” said Kelderman. "It was a super stuffy day, and we also had a bit of trouble with jet lag. But in the final, I felt good. I started the sprint too far behind and could not get into the top ten. It is a true classic and it is important to keep in position, and I'm not so good at that. This also is because it is a race for explosive men. The real classic riders. Just look at the top two."

Kelderman left satisfied with his 11th place. He is looking forward to the next WorldTour race in Montreal on Sunday, which should suit him better.

"Montreal is still a better race for me than Quebec," said Kelderman. "I raced in Quebec for a top ten. Perhaps, I can make it into the top five or maybe top three in Montreal.“