Belkin had big hopes for Robert Gesink and Bauke Mollema in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco but got their race off to a bad start. Gesink lost almost a minute to stage winner Alberto Contador after changing bikes twice while Mollema had a bad day and fell completely out of GC contention.

The first day of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco did not finish how the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM wanted. Leaders Robert Gesink and Bauke Mollema lost time in the 153-km hilly stage with start and finish in Ordizia. Alberto Contador took the win.

Gesink arrived at the line in 16th position at 58 seconds back. The loss, however, could have been bigger as the Varssevelder suffered a mechanical problem on a steep climb, which forced him to change bikes twice.

“When it happened our team car was behind and besides that, the road was very narrow,” said Sports Director Merijn Zeeman. “Fortunately, Stef Clement was nearby so Robert could continue on his bike. Of course, that wasn’t ideal, but Robert was able to stay close to the front. A little later, we were able to give him his spare bike.

“We are not satisfied with today, but I think we limited the damage. It could have been worse. We still believe a top ten in the overall is possible. It was good to see that Robert himself is fine.”

Gesink was very disappointed afterwards.

“Today was a hard stage and normally that suits me. The misfortune, however, cost me a lot of time and energy. It took a lot of strength to chase twice, especially as I was on Stef’s bike.

“I feel good, however, and there are still possibilities. I hope to climb in the overall. Contador and Valverde are far away, but the guys behind them are all very close to each other.”

Bauke Mollema had a bad day today in the saddle and lost nine minutes.

“We have no explanation for that,” said Zeeman. “Bauke was feeling good and he doesn’t know where this is coming from. It’s important that he keeps fighting and that he improves with the Ardennes Classics approaching.” 

Zeeman said that tomorrow’s stage is one for the sprinters.

“Although it’s still a hard stage. We have Paul Martens, who’s fast, but as a team we will not work to make it a sprint. Paul has been ill last week and is still recovering. If it comes to down a sprint, however, he will get his chance.”