Belkin have announced their line-up for one of the most important races on their calendar. As usual all eyes will be on the home team in Sunday's Amstel Gold Race where Bauke Mollema will lead the team after his solid showing in the second part of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

Bauke Mollema calls the Amstel Gold Race this Sunday the “best race of the year.” The Dutchman of the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM and his team-mates hope to shine in front of the home fans on Sunday. 

“The Amstel is perhaps the best race of the year for a Dutchman. The fans show up in large numbers and they are very enthusiastic,” said Mollema. 

“After Niki Terpstra’s victory in Paris-Roubaix, I think things will be extra special. After our success in last year’s Tour de France, people will be excited to see us race as well. It could become a wonderful edition. As a team, we hope to provide the people with a good result.” 

Mollema prepared himself for the Amstel Gold Race in the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco. After a difficult start, he showed promising signs at the end of the week.

“During the final stages, I gained a lot of confidence. I finished fifth in a mountain stage with an uphill finish and one day later, I was in a break until very late in a tough stage. It proves that my condition is fine and that I’m at my level. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.” 

Mollema finished tenth in the last two editions of the Amstel Gold Race. This year, he wants more.

“If I finish tenth again, I won’t be in a jubilant mood. Last year, I often finished between the fifth and tenth place in the Walloon classics. It would be nice to get a top five this year. 

“I like the new finish, it makes the race more open because now you can also attack after the Cauberg. Last year it wasn’t in my favour, as I arrived at the top of the Cauberg in fifth position, while I ended up tenth at the line. Next time, it could well be the other way round, though.” 

Sports Director Frans Maassen comes from the region and won the race in 1991. He’s hoping for a good result in Dutch Limburg.

“We haven’t won the Amstel for a long time and we won’t be the biggest favourite on Sunday, but we are one hundred per cent motivated and will do whatever we can,” said Maassen. 

“Bauke is our captain. Paul Martens and Lars Petter Nordhaug also have a free role. We have guys with knowledge of the course and experience and we really want to show ourselves. We want to compete for the win.” 
 

Laurens ten Dam, Jos van Emden, Jonathan Hivert, Paul Martens, Bauke Mollema, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Bram Tankink and David Tanner.