Bauke Mollema to represent Netherlands in World Championships after Vuelta success – Cycling News
Bauke Mollema of team Rabobank finished the Vuelta a Espana 2011 by winning himself the green jersey as he finished the race with 122 points leading the final general classifications. Before the start of the final stage at Madrid, Rodriguez and Mollema were
both at 115 points but the Dutch secured the green jersey as he managed to finish the last stage in the 9th position.
Rodriguez of team Katusha was at second place with 115 points after the final point’s classification with Daniele Bennati of Leopard Trek at third position with 101 points. He finished the Giro d Italia 2010 in the 12th position with Tour de France
2011 at 70th and Vuelta a Espana 2011 in 4th position.
The 24-year-old was satisfied with his performance at the Vuelta as he said, “Fourth place made my Vuelta hugely satisfying even before I managed to win the green points jersey.” He further added that he has been amongst the top ten players throughout the
tour and the green jersey is an indication of his developed sprinting skills.
Mollema mentioned that he never went after the green jersey initially and it was only in the last few stages when he realised that he should target the point’s classification. He told Cyclingnews, “Me and Rodriguez were close in the last week but I knew
I could beat him on the last stage in Madrid. I’m not a pure sprinter but I knew I could maybe start the sprint in tenth position and finish ok. I got ninth and so got the jersey.”
He is in top form after the Vuelta performance and is getting ready to represent the Dutch team in the World Championships road race scheduled in Copenhagen from September 19-25. He will be accompanied by Johnny Hoogerland, Robert Gesink, Pieter Weening,
Maarten Tjallingii and Pim Ligthart.
Bauke Mollema has secured the 21st position with 184 points at the UCI World Tour individual rankings as his team-mate and countryman Robert Gesink is at the 15th position with 222 points. Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert is leading the
individual rankings with 574 points as the Tour de France 2011 winner Cadel Evans dropped down to second position with 471 points. Netherlands is at the sixth position with 693 points as per the UCI World Tour Nations rankings as Spain is leading the list
with 1357 points. Belgium and Italy are at second and third positions respectively.
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