Nils Eekhoff talks about reasons behind massive form improvement after mediocre classic campaign: "I trained very hard and it paid off"

After successful ZLM Tour, the Dutch Team DSM takes on the Baloise Belgium Tour. Nils Eekhoff is part of their strong lineup around sprinter Sam Welsford and experienced John Degenkolb. In an interview for In de Leiderstrui, the 25-year old talks about his season, the on-going races, and his own ambitions for Tour de France.

"Unfortunately, the start of my season was not such a great success," Eekhoff opens his personal analysis of the calendar year so far. "I then noticed that I was dealing with a physical disadvantage, especially because I was struggling with a number of health ailments. I simply didn't reach the level I wanted to reach."

A short rest period after classics season helped Eekhoff get back on track as he showed with third place at Tro-Bro Léon. "After that I trained very hard and it paid off."

Eekhoff continued his acquired form particularly strongly, as he managed to win the prologue of the ZLM Tour on June 7th. "That victory has given me a big confidence boost, I am very happy with where I am right now. I'm comfortable in it and the shape is there."

Eekhoff also hopes to score highly in the Baloise Belgium Tour. "Normally we'll sprint with Welsford, but in the difficult stages I will see if I can give it a try."

Eekhoff obviously cannot reveal much about his role at the upcoming Tour de France but he gave a few hints. "I will probably fulfill the function of lead-out rider in the sprint stages. The transition stages are again very difficult this year, so I have to take a closer look at which stages I could go with the breakaway. And in which I have a chance to survive," he adds with a laugh. "Hopefully I can participate from time to time for a good result."