Steven Kruijswijk ended up sixteenth after a tough eleventh stage in the Vuelta. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s 30-year-old rider couldn’t keep up with the leading group during the final climb, but took an advantage over other GC-contenders. In the end, Kruijswijk finished 1:32 minutes behind stage winner Miguel Angel Lopez.

The run-up to the two final climbs was expected to be easy, but the bad weather conditions decided otherwise. “The first hundred kilometres were very tough due to the rain”, Kruijswijk said. “Then we had two more difficult climbs. During the first climb I didn’t feel well. Ultimately, I couldn’t keep up with the leading group at the steep parts of the final climb. I finished in a chasing group.”

By doing so, he was able to limit the damage. “I went to the finish line as fast as possible. I hope to become stronger by the day. Anyway, I’m better than in the first week. That’s nice. The Vuelta isn’t over yet and a lot can still happen.”

Sports director Addy Engels also saw a better Kruijswijk today. “However, I hoped he could keep up with the leading group on the final climb”, he added. “Kruijswijk isn’t at his best, but better than we have seen thus far. In addition, Daan Olivier, Floris De Tier, Stef Clement and Koen Bouwman were able to stay in front for a long time. Furthermore, Antwan Tolhoek was in the breakaway. It is a good performance for our young team at the moment. It also looks promising for the remaining stages and the future.”