Robert Gesink on Jumbo-Visma: "Our tactic is that you put many strong men together, who will do anything for each other"

Robert Gesink is no unknown to celebrating a Grand Tour victory, his experience has been able to support several leaders to success over the past few years in Jumbo-Visma, and he's done it again at the Vuelta a Espana. He talked about some of the key's to success and who was his strongest teammate at the race.

“This is very special, I would never have believed this before. We did it, three Grand Tours with three different men. It is nice to be part of that,” Gesink told Sporza. “How did this work? There's a lot of work and planning behind it. Many guys have been working specifically toward this goal. Also to the Tour, also to the Giro. In addition, we have many good riders together and there is a focus on the little things."

"Then it all has to come together. Our tactic is that you put many strong men together, who will do anything for each other. That is our selection policy, to take them into account and make clear agreements in advance. That's a clear plan. We are a good group of comrades, so you can do great things.”

The five riders that rode in support of their leaders at the Vuelta rarely had a bad moment, but all Kuss, Vingegaard and Roglic also managed to avoid bad days and unnecessary time losses. With their obvious climbing ability, it meant that it was virtually impossible for the team to be on the back foot. Although they raced more aggressively at the start of the race and not at pace as in the Tour (and then raced each other), the race was virtually sealed after stage 13 where they looked head and shoulders above the competition.

“That's difficult to say," Gesink answers when asked who was the best in the Dutch team. "Roglič is a winner and a fighter, and he had also prepared specifically. Jonas - with all due respect - continued to cycle on his Tour form. And Sepp navigated it very well, which was perfect for our strategy. And then he stood there. There's something to be said for everything. But we are happy that we ended it this way with three men. We as a team can be proud of that. Everyone is allowed to have an opinion about that.”