My name is Elin - A pro cycling lover's reflections

Robert Gesink will be Blanco Pro Cycling Team's leader in Paris-Nice, which starts Sunday, March 3. The team has already taken ten victories so far this season, but hopes to take more during the French stage race.

"I have finished Ruta del Sol, Murcia and Almeria with a good feelings,” Gesink said in a team press release. “The team has started the season with an important victory of Tom-Jelte Slagter in the World Tour. Ten victories in total for the team already, not a bad start at all I think."

“For Paris-Nice I am surrounded by strong guys. Especially our youngsters Kelderman and Kruijswijk helping me on the climbs. Working with these guys could set the standard for the rest of the year. I keep good memories of Paris-Nice and will start with confidence.”

Gesink will have Stef Clement, Wilco Kelderman, Steven Kruijswijk, Mark Renshaw, Rick Flens, David Tanner and Maarten Tjallingii to support him, and to try to make a good race themselves. Mark Renshaw may, for example, have a chance in the sprints.

“Our main focus will be the general classification with our leader Robert Gesink. With Wilco and Steven we have three guys for the difficult uphill stages. In the flat stages we have strong guys like Flens and Tjallingii surrounding Robert to protect the GC,” said sport director Nico Verhoeven.