Wilco Kelderman still remembers from 2022 Basque race how Vivero/Pike duo was part of first Tour stage

On Thursday, the focus was on the three main riders, and on Friday, it shifted to the four (Dutch-speaking) domestiques as Jumbo-Visma provided ample opportunity for the press to question the riders. IDLProCycling.com also got to interview Wilco Kelderman and Dylan van Baarle.

There is quite a bit of uncertainty within and around the peloton about how the first stage around Bilbao will unfold. With approximately 3,500 meters of climbing, it is already considered quite challenging. Some expect a grueling battle, while others believe it might not be as tough as anticipated. This is precisely what makes it so exciting.

Wilco Kelderman is one of the few with firsthand knowledge of what is to come. He tackled the two demanding final climbs of Alto del Vivero and Coté de Pike last year in the Circuito de Getxo, a one-day race in the Basque Country. The Barnevelder finished third in that race, won by Juan Ayuso. He undoubtedly gained valuable insights that he can utilize on Saturday.

This website was curious about Kelderman's observations. "They are truly Basque climbs: steep, relatively wide roads and simply challenging. It will definitely be a difficult finale," says the Dutch rider, who is pleased with the Grand Départ in the Basque Country. "Cycling is very popular here, and it's beautiful, so it's great to start the Tour here."

"The Getxo result definitely gives you some insights, but it's a completely different race," Kelderman shares his opinion on the connection between Getxo and this Tour de France. "The participant list is very different, so the racing will be different too. The bar is much higher here. I expect that a large group will reach the final climb, but perhaps one rider will stand out and be able to break away."

"The Getxo result definitely gives you some insights, but it's a totally different race"

At Jumbo-Visma, the focus will primarily be on Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard, as Van Baarle acknowledges. "Wout is undoubtedly a very special rider who excels in all aspects. He can time trial, sprint, climb... on a good day, he's always up there with the best riders in the world. The Tour de France route is always extremely challenging, and that's where the top riders naturally emerge."

Van Aert may try his luck in the battle for stage victories, but ultimately, there is one man who matters most at Jumbo-Visma: Vingegaard. "I rode with Jonas for the first time in the Critérium du Dauphiné, and he is very calm and confident," says Van Baarle, who joined Jumbo-Visma from INEOS Grenadiers last winter. "He doesn't demand attention, but he is truly a part of the team. As a result, everyone is more than happy to work for him."

Pressure Kelderman feels for this Tour is "definitely different"

Both Dutch riders have few personal ambitions in the upcoming Tour de France. "Not being the team leader takes some pressure off," explains Kelderman. "When you're under pressure to perform in the general classification, you have to constantly pay attention and stay focused. Now, it's more about supporting Jonas, so it will be different. However, the pressure is still high because we want to win the Tour."

For Van Baarle, it is a special experience to ride in the Dutch national champion's jersey after winning the Dutch National Championship last weekend. "Being able to ride the Tour in this jersey is already very special. I'm really looking forward to pinning those race numbers on the shirt. It's nice to continue the upward trend of all the training camps and the Critérium du Dauphiné. After the bad luck I had in the spring, it's great to come back like this," he concludes.