LottoNL-Jumbo’s Wilco Kelderman finished second in the fourth stage of the Ruta del Sol, just two seconds short in the 21-kilometre time trial behind winner Tejay van Gardener (BMC Racing).

Disappointment dominated Wilco Kelderman’s mood. “I finished second a many times in time trials already and the difference is only two seconds today,” he said. “It was a long time trial, so I’m quite fed up with that. A time trial is a very fair race, on the other hand, so I can only blame myself. I really wanted this victory. I’m in a good condition and I proved that today. I built up to this race well, I had the right rhythm and Addy Engels’s coaching was worth a lot. I’m satisfied with my performance, but I keep looking forward. I want to win races.”

Engels followed Kelderman in the team car during his time trial and saw that he did not miss a beat. “He delivered a superb performance,” the sports director added. “We already saw in training that he has a high level at the moment. Today was his first chance to prove that in competition as well. I was able to see from my spot in the team car that he was doing a great job. He rode technically well, took some strong turns and went very fast. He climbed the first, steep climb in the time trial very fast as well.”

Behind Kelderman, Maarten Tjallingii and Steven Kruijswijk finished 12th and 13th. They confirmed that the general level of Team LottoNL-Jumbo is high. “Many riders are performing great,” Engels noticed. “Our riders are delivering even in the Tour of Oman and the Volta ao Algarve. Almost everyone came through the winter in good condition.”

Especially Kelderman, who has the chance to win the general classification of the Ruta del Sol on Sunday. “I had a great winter and I’ve been feeling strong for quite a while,” he added. “That gives me a lot of confidence. I’m second in the general classification and I’m only two seconds behind, so I’m going for the win tomorrow. If I’m feeling good in the end of the stage, I will go all in to win the general classification.”