Wilco Kelderman of LottoNL-Jumbo finished eighth in the 80th Tour de Suisse today. Miguel Ángel López (Astana) won ahead of Ion Izagirre (Movistar) and Warren Barguil (Giant-Alpecin). Jarlinson Pantano (IAM Cycling) succeeded in the final stage. Wilco Kelderman placed 16th.

"It was not really good today, on the climb I could not follow the favourites," Kelderman said. "In the downhill, I remained in the group. It is unfortunate to finish eighth when you had the leader's jersey for one day, I've had good days and bad ones. I finished on a good note, though."

Because of bad weather, the stage was shortened by 60 kilometres to 57. That led to a quick start to the foot of the climb. "In the beginning, the team worked well for Kelderman and put him in the right spot at the foot of the climb,” said Sports Director Frans Maassen. "On the climb, Kelderman was dropped from the group. On the descent and on the flat, he managed to limit the damage. "

“It was a special day, in the morning the weather was already bad," added Kelderman. "It was a good decision that the race was shortened. It was very cold and wet on the other climb. Whether it was an advantage or disadvantage, I do not know. It was hard from the start, and on the climb, I couldn’t follow the best."

The leader's jersey

"Unfortunately, no stage victory, but we still look back with satisfaction," Maassen said. "Tom Van Asbroeck placed fourth and Wilco Kelderman had the lead. Kelderman also managed to show that his time trial is good.

“We were unlucky at the start with the weather and of course, with the crash of Gesink. But then the team has nice things to show."

Kelderman has his sights now on the Tour de France. "The next few days, I'm going to take care of myself well and recover. I'm leaving here with a good feeling. Wednesday, I do the Dutch Championship time trial and after that, I will continue training. The focus is now on the Tour de France. "