Tim van Dijke points to Hindley, Pellizzari, but above all himself as a Vuelta rider to watch: "Bring it on!"

“Yes, that's right. I prepared myself well for the Vuelta and was with the team on altitude training in Livigno. After that, I rode the Tour of Poland, and now we're finally here. Bring it on!”

“Yes, on those days I'll just stay in the grupetto. But there are also days when there are opportunities to go for a result, and fortunately, the team gives me the freedom to do so. I'm pleased with my role, supporting our leader Jai Hindley and getting the freedom to go for a result myself here and there.”

“Of course, we're here with a climbing team, but there are also sprint stages, and I can do my thing in those. I'll have to find my own way, and I can do that. Then we'll see what I can do.”

“I also got involved in the sprints in Poland, but for me, in a grand tour like this, it's especially nice when the fatigue sets in in the peloton. I can't rely on a fresh sprint because I'm not a real sprinter. That's why I'm looking forward to this, in such a tough Vuelta.”

“I know that Jai has worked very hard at altitude; he's sharp. And I also think very highly of our other man, Giulio Pellizzari. He showed how good he is in the Giro d'Italia, and he also rode very strongly in Burgos. He's been given a lot of freedom, so I think Giulio could well show us something special.”

“I haven't seen him much in recent months, which is a shame. Mick mainly told me to stay on my bike.”

“That's true, haha. Last year, I rode the Giro with a completely different preparation, and I learned a lot from that. We're going to try to get the best out of it day by day.”

“Jai has had a serious rehabilitation after his crash in the Giro, but he is our leader for a reason. We have an outstanding team, where several riders are allowed to go for stage wins. That will also be important.”

“I'm pleased about it, I'm looking forward to it. Of course, there were rumors, and on the day it was officially announced, we were also notified. It was all kept very secret.”

Bram van der Ploeg ( Twitter: @BvdPloegg | email : [email protected])