LottoNL-Jumbo shows that it means business in Dauphiné’s fourth stage
Team LottoNL-Jumbo went for the jackpot with Lotto-Soudal very late into stage four of the Critérium du Dauphiné today. The efforts of both teams, however, were not rewarded at the finish in Sisteron.
Team LottoNL-Jumbo went for the jackpot with Lotto-Soudal very late into stage four of the Critérium du Dauphiné today. The efforts of both teams, however, were not rewarded at the finish in Sisteron.
Martijn Keizer immediately attacked after the starting gun in Anneyron. The Dutchman was followed by Tosh Van der Sande of Lotto Soudal. The duo remained ahead of the peloton until about five kilometres from the line.
Wilco Kelderman and Tim Wellens, Lotto-Soudal as well, attacked together in the final kilometres, but couldn’t hold off a bunch kick. Bram Tankink led Team LottoNL-Jumbo home with a 12th place. Rohan Dennis (BMC) retained the yellow leader’s jersey.
Martijn Keizer
“On one hand, I’m satisfied, on the other hand I’m disappointed because this was a move to win the stage,” Keizer said. “It was nice to almost surprise the peloton, though. Tosh wasn’t strong enough today, which was a pity. With Tony Martin for example, I wouldn’t have received much space. If we would have been with a couple more riders, the peloton probably would have kept us closer. You need a little bit of luck for successful attack as it depends on so many factors.”
Keizer hopes to attack some more over the next few days. “I feel good after the Giro. I’m in great shape. I want try it again this week and help Wilco.”
Erik Dekker
Erik Dekker was impressed with the racing his riders produced on Wednesday. “The determination that we have shown today during the stage was one hundred per cent spot-on,” the sports director said.
“Martijn was close to upsetting the peloton. He executed the plan perfectly, although at the end it’s all about winning. But I’m sure this kind of racing will eventually lead to success. Martijn doesn’t win often, but this is the way to do it.
“Wilco knew that there was a possibility to attack on the last two climbs. We know that he likes to do something in those situations. I understand that his move looked quite impressive.”
Mountains in store
The fourth stage was the last stage for the sprinters. Starting on Thursday, the peloton will head into the mountains. Tomorrow, after four categorised climbs, the riders finish on top of Pra-Loup. The stage is a copy of the 17th stage of this year’s Tour de France.
“It’s good for Wilco to get familiar with the roads, but tomorrow is mainly about the stage itself and a result,” Dekker said. “We’ll see how the gaps are between the overall riders after tomorrow.”
