Robert Gesink is aiming to get involved in the Tour of California after his strong performance in the Tour de Romandie. Team LottoNL-Jumbo is also counting on a good showing from Tom Van Asbroeck in the American stage race. In the Golden State, the Belgian sprinter can rely on the support of Dennis van Winden, who will make an immediate comeback to the team.

“I’m very happy to return to the highest level,” Van Winden stated. The Dutchman rode for Baku Cycling Project during the first months of the season and has signed with the Dutch squad until the end of the year.

“I’m proud to be a part of the family again. I want to thank Baku for the opportunity they have given me. It is a project I believe in and I’ll keep following them for sure. I’m looking forward to assisting Robert and Tom as much as I can in the Tour of California.”
 

Sports Director Erik Dekker is content with the return of Van Winden. “Dennis is a strong lead-out man. Our sprinters will certainly benefit from his presence. In California, we’ll start working on the  Van Winden-Van Asbroeck train because in the sprints, we want to take on Cavendish.”
 

Gesink has shown his class on several occasions in the Tour of California. In 2007 and 2008 he was the best young rider and in 2012 he triumphed in the overall. In total, he won two stages.

“I think the Tour of California is a beautiful race. I’ve been successful here in the past and after riding the Tour de Romandie this is a logical step for me. I hope to be able to compete for top results even more than in Switzerland, because ultimately that’s what it’s all about. With Moreno Hofland’s win in Yorkshire the team’s year has taken off. I want to continue that success in America.”
 

Gesink will remain in the USA after the Tour of California with his family to train at altitude. “I want to prepare myself for the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France. I like being in the States as it offers me the perfect combination of training and fun.”

Team line-up:
Tom van Asbroeck, Laurens ten Dam, Jos van Emden, Robert Gesink, Mike Teunissen, Sep Vanmarcke, Dennis van Winden & Maarten Wynants.