After all, Sinkeldam was a professional cyclist last year and proved too strong in the final. He has been officially an amateur since October, but that does not stop him from defending his title. “I can still cycle quite well, but we have to see if it is enough,” the native of Zaankant said at the press conference. “It’s not like I’ve been sitting still. I just came from the beach and that was tough. But that could be different tomorrow.”
The big difference with 2024 is that Sinkeldam has no teammates around him, while Van Breda can count on support from the riders of Beukers Heilig Group. Sinkeldam: “I am indeed alone, but I have texted Alpecin (his old teammates, ed.). There are still a few loners. I will make sure I form a bond with a few riders.”