Wilco Kelderman finished fourth in the penultimate stage of the Tour de Suisse today in Davos. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s leader moved up to the sixth place in the general classification because of his effort. Team-mate Koen Bouwman finished 12^th behind stage winner Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) won the time trial.

“Wilco Kelderman delivered a strong time trial,” Sports Director Jan Boven said. “The difference of 21 seconds with Izaguirre was surprisingly big when you ask me, but behind him, Wilco did a good job. With this result, he came close to the overall top five, so he now has a nice challenge during the last stage of the race.”

Behind Kelderman, the young Bouwman delivered a great time trial, as well. Bouwman finished 12th in the 16.8-kilometre time trial and only lost 42 seconds on stage winner Izaguirre.

Preparation

“We already felt that it was worth preparing seriously with Koen for this time trial,” Boven added. “That’s why he and Wilco did a serious recon early this morning. He delivered a very strong time trial and it’s great to see him developing. He did a lot of work for Wilco this week and now, he has a beautiful result for himself, as well.”

“I just rode on a decent pace today,” Kelderman said. “This fourth place tells me that I don’t have to worry about my shape. It’s not strange that I had a bad day yesterday. That happens often when you return from a training camp at altitude. The riders around me had a bad day this week, as well. I’ve shown this week that I’m in a good shape.”

Spectacular

Kelderman will have another change to push for a spot in the top five overall during the final stage of the Tour de Suisse tomorrow. “It’s going to be a short, but spectacular stage,” Boven explained. “There are two challenging climbs in it and Wilco will approach it positively.”