Ramon Sinkeldam looking to seize "my best level ever" for upcoming negotiations

Ramon Sinkeldam has been since 2018 a crucial member of the leadout train for Arnaud Démare, and has recently been in the news as Patrick Lefevere and Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team expressed interest in the Dutchman. 

“I thought it was remarkable that it was in the newspaper, if I'm honest. That may be his way of communicating or his way of working. But I do like it, of course. I think when a crew like Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl expresses an interest in you, it flatters everyone," Sinkeldam told Wielerflits. He rode the Giro d'Italia with Groupama - FDJ this past month where he helped Arnaud Démare into three stage wins and the points classifications - similarly to 2020.

Read also

Jakob Fuglsang "super relieved" after first win in 21 months

"For myself it is a confirmation that I am riding well, I get confidence from such a comment... I'm at the end of my contract, so we'll see what's going on for me after the Giro d'Italia," he added. With Démare not scheduled to ride another Grand Tour this year, Sinkeldam is likely to also follow a lighter calendar towards the second half of the season. The 33-year old does not yet have a contract for 2023, the same as Jacopo Guarnieri and Ignatas Konovalovas who he races with often in the sprints.

“...The fact that he puts that in the newspaper means to me that the interest is genuine," Sinkeldam pointed out. "But I notice that I now ride much better, feel good and am at my best level ever. I'm not in a downward spiral, which is nice," he concluded.

Read also

"This Giro is at the top of my list" - Ramon Sinkeldam on challenge of getting leadout up to speed