Sportive director Merijn Zeeman explains the selection. "We are delighted that Primoz can start in the Vuelta after his serious injury in the Tour de France. Logically, he didn't have the best preparation, but we greatly respect him for how he managed to get ready."

"We have a good and balanced team at the start that can optimally support Primoz in all areas. It is a pity that Koen Bouwman will not make it to the start due to his injury. We would have loved to see him in the Vuelta in the great form he displayed during the last Giro d'Italia."



It's been a few years since a Grand Tour started in The Netherlands. "The Dutch start makes it very special for us. We look forward to showing ourselves in front of our own audience from coming Friday."