"We started well and we will go for it again on Sunday" - Wilco Kelderman happy with form and Jumbo-Visma's opening day

Wilco Kelderman rode to a fourth place at the Tour de Suisse and after the injuries of Steven Kruijswijk, he earned his presence at the Tour de France. On the opening day, he was immediately put to action in Bilbao.

As the race exploded up the Côte de Pike, much from the action of UAE Team Emirates, Jumbo-Visma rode on the defense. Jonas Vingegaard responded to the attack of Tadej Pogacar, whilst the team also eyed the chances of Wout van Aert taking the stage win. Having ridden strongly over the ascent, both Kelderman and Kuss returned to the main chasing group and worked towards the chase which had two goals to it.

However it didn't ultimately prove successful as Adam and Simon Yates held up the chasing group. Kelderman then still rode to 14th place on the road, closing the final group and also putting himself in a good position to be a second GC card for Jumbo-Visma, if it's to play the same game as UAE. Stage 2 sees the peloton face another string of climbs throughout the day, including the Alto de Jaizkibel close to the finish, which should see some action.

“I expect a bit of the same scenario as Saturday, although it will be a bit more controlled now," Kelderman told Wielerflits at the start of stage 2. "I hope we have another chance with Wout. But the Tour is still long. We started well and we will go for it again on Sunday.”