"I’m back to my level and happy to show it again" - Wilco Kelderman satisfied with form ahead of Tour de France and after three-month break

Wilco Kelderman has only started his season at Tirreno-Adriatico, but hadn't raced ever since. Injuries kept sweeping through his schedule which led him to miss the Giro d'Italia, but ahead of the Tour de France his best form is coming back to him.

“I felt very strong there. Especially on the first part of the climb. He attacked very early. In the end, we tried to get closer to the group of favourites, but we couldn’t," Kelderman said at the end of the day. "I tried to get away, but it was difficult. In the end, I just rode my race and finished among the favourites. This gives me a good feeling, and I look forward to the next few days.”

Now in the lineup for the Tour because of Steven Kruijswijk's injuries, his Tour de Suisse is not only about getting a result for himself, but building form towards the Tour de France. “I hadn’t raced for three months. I wasn’t where I wanted to be last year. This team has brought me back."

"I’m back to my level and happy to show it again. After Switzerland, I will slow down a bit and hopefully be even better at the Tour de France," he concluded. The Dutchman was on the attack on the fourth stage of the race, but couldn't gain time on his rivals. He enters the queen stage in fifth place, 1:12 minutes behind Felix Gall and still within the fight for the podium.