Wilco Kelderman took home the young riders classification in the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. The 24-year-old Team LottoNL-Jumbo Dutchman finished ninth in the overall classification today after a challenging week.

The stage race in the north of Spain finished with a traditional ride in Barcelona and just as Sports Director Frans Maassen predicted.

“It was a sprint with a group of around 40 riders,” Maassen said. “For a moment, it was a little bit doubtful if Wilco would be part of that group because of some mechanical problems. Fortunately, we remedied those problems quickly enough and he finished 12th. The only thing, due to that bad luck, he wasn’t able to get in the front to attack.”

Big compliment
“This race gave a good feeling to the whole team”, Maassen continued. “A big compliment to Timo Roosen. He did a terrific job as a neo professional in this tough race. Martijn Keizer was very important too. He worked very hard for the team.”

Confidence
The top of the general classification stayed the same. Kelderman saved his ninth place and his lead in the youth classification.

“I’m quite satisfied with that,” Kelderman said. “I’m glad that I was able to finish top ten another time in a stage race with such good participants. I was looking for some confirmation after Paris-Nice anyway. I have always been confident about my preparation and my form. I do everything I can and that will pay off sometime.”

Ardennes
Kelderman leaves the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya with good sensations, which will help him during the Ardennes Classics.

“Those classics are my first big targets,” he added. “It will be the first time for me to compete in those races. It’s hard to predict how I will perform there, but I’m curious to see.”