There was a big smile on Robert Jesink’s face after his Jumbo-Visma team won the team time trial. It was very special for Achterhoeker, because he can wear the red captain’s jersey for the Spain Tour: “I am very grateful to the boys,” he said of his teammates. “It’s great that they gave me this.”
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Gesink was awarded the red jersey by his leader: “I’ve worked hard with Primoz Roglic all those years. I think he wanted to give me something back. But for the rest of this tour, the focus will be on our captain Roglic again.”
In the early years of his career, Gesink was always the outspoken leader. Today, however, he feels comfortable with another task: “I know my role,” Jesink laughed. “But it’s fun. This red shirt is probably the highlight of my career.”
Along the way, Gesink particularly enjoyed people along this side: “I enjoyed it and will enjoy it again tomorrow,” Gesink said. “We have a good team, with very strong men. It is great that they give me this.”
There is no Tour de France this year
A few weeks ago, Gesink was still very disappointed and did not want to think about the sport when he was not selected for the Tour de France: “We went to America and Canada with the family. I focused on myself and the family for a while, and I wanted to get away from Cycling for a while.”
Fortunately, today’s success makes up for a lot, as Gesink admits: “It was a beautiful day. We were very focused. If then I managed to win, maybe also with the support of the fans, that’s really fun.”
Sports Director Engels Said in the first stage
Of course, Jumbo-Visma team manager Adi Engels was very satisfied with the team time trial win: “This is a great start, and it couldn’t be better. It’s so special that Robert is here in this jersey.”
Discussing Jesink’s red-shirt scenario on Thursday, Engels admitted: “If anyone deserves this, it’s Robert, based not only on his past performances, but also on the work he’s done in recent years.” . But of course it was not planned. You should have come out like this.”
Cycling game!
The Vuelta a España starts on Friday, August 19th with Gran Salida In Utrecht with the team experience time. The second and third stages are also held on Dutch soil, after which the peloton descends into Asturias and the Sierra Nevada in the far south of Spain. Join the Vuelta game and win great prizes!
Check out all about the Vuelta herewith the latest news, featured stories, columns, videos, podcasts, and all scores and rankings.
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