Wilco Kelderman finished 10th overall in the Vuelta Ciclista al País Vasco on Saturday in Spain. The Team LottoNL-Jumbo Dutchman placed 30th in the closing time trial, which was good enough to hold his spot in the top 10. Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) won the time trial and the general classification.

“I had to push through my limits today,” explained Kelderman. “It was a very tough stage, with a steep climb in it. I wasn’t strong on that climb and felt some pain from yesterday’s crash. I have a wound on my knee and some bruises because of that crash, which stays with you after such hard stage. I was able to finish my time trial strong, fortunately, so I finished top 10. That’s the most important thing this week. I showed a great level, which I can build on.”

‘Delivered a good result’

Sports Director Addy Engels looked back on a beautiful week. “It was our target to finish top 10,” he said. “The team did a good job and it’s great to see that we were there in the most important moments. Wilco had to give it all to finish 10th. It looked like he wasn’t going to make it halfway into his race, but the second part for him was strong.

“Wilco was one of the best during the second stage this week. He was steady in yesterday’s queen stage, but a little weaker today. The most important thing is that he delivered a good result.

“Robert Gesink was strong this week, as well, until the weather took it’s toll, yesterday. This week’s performance will give him confidence for the Ardennes Classics next week.”