“The Giro was the first grand tour in my career that I finished and I don’t know what it will mean for my legs.”

‘Really good’
Hofland rode the Rund um Köln once before. Last year, he was riding in service of Barry Markus, who placed second.

“The course is selective. It’s like Limburg, but slightly heavier. Last year, I was in good shape and in the hill zone, I was always in the first group. After that, I did the lead-out for Barry. We will find out soon enough if my legs feel good enough for a result.”

Frans Maassen
Frans Maassen is keeping all options open. The sports director knows from experience that it can go several ways in the Rund um Köln.

“The first part of the race is hilly, but often you see the groups reconnect on the local lap. We head into the race with an open mind. Most guys have done the Giro and from what I can see, they came back from Italy in good shape. This is a first test, though, and we’ll have to wait and see how they will do.”

Team line-up:
Rick Flens, Moreno Hofland, Nick van der Lijke, Barry Markus, Timo Roosen, Maarten Tjallingii & Robert Wagner.

Sports Director:
Frans Maassen.