Visma | Lease a Bike sees Kelderman back in the mix after a long time: "I saw my opportunity"

If any team has been struck by bad luck this year, it’s Visma | Lease a Bike. Fortunately, three stages into the Tour of Switzerland, things are still looking up for the Dutch WorldTour team, which boasts Wilco Kelderman in third place in the GC. And that is obviously satisfying!

In the third stage, claimed by Thibau Nys in a quintessential puncheur showdown, Kelderman also threw his hat in the ring. He even led for a while but was overtaken in the final stretch by five others. The 33-year-old Dutchman crossed the line sixth, a result he welcomed warmly. "It feels great," he shared in a post on the team's website.

For Kelderman, Switzerland is his first race since Paris-Nice

"It was another hectic day, which is pretty typical for Switzerland," the Dutch rider elaborated. "The stages are nearly always fast-paced, with constant ups and downs. Our team executed a strong finale. We positioned ourselves well throughout, knowing the end would challenge us with a steep climb. I already had in mind to attack when I could."

And so the veteran attacked indeed! "In the last few hundred meters, I saw my chance," he further explained. "From that moment, I switched off my brain and went full throttle to the finish. Unfortunately, there were five riders just a bit faster. I am pleased with this sixth place. The positive feeling prevails. I haven’t raced since Paris-Nice, so I am very happy with my current form. It gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming stages." The Tour of Switzerland continues on day four with a challenging stage towards the famous Gotthard Pass, where we are likely to see the first major clash among climbers.