Confirmed this week as leading the Belkin team in the race, Robert Gesink has said that he believes he should be one of the challengers in the Santos Tour Down Under.
The Dutchman has taken big wins in the past such as the Tours of California and Oman plus the Grand Prix Montréal and Québec, but making his debut in the Santos Tour Down Under is a new challenge as it comes so early in the season.
Fortunately he is happy with his buildup. “It was a good winter,” he said, referring to the work he has done from his base in Girona.
“Australia really fascinates me, so it’s nice to start my year there.”
He knows the route is a tough one and is happy with that. “Normally it suits me. Also, our team has three Australians: Jack Bobridge, Graeme Brown and David Tanner. They’ve done the race before and know the roads.”
The lineup will be completed by Stef Clement, Rick Flens and Bram Tankink.
Directeur sportif Erik Dekker is looking forward to seeing his riders in action. “The batteries are fully charged again and training has been without any problems,” he said.
“The Tour Down Under team riders began their training early this winter. During the training camps they had a more demanding program. Graeme rode the Rotterdam Six-Day last week so he has been working on his intensity. The others have done the same during their training rides. We have done our homework.”
The Belkin squad will begin racing in the People’s Choice Classic on January 19th. The Santos Tour Down Under itself starts on January 21st and runs until January 26th.