Mission failed. Bauke Mollema failed to extend his national time trial title on Wednesday evening. The legs of the Groninger refused to serve in the Gelderland woods around Elspeet.
Of course everyone knew that Bauke Mollema can drive really fast. But winning an individual time trial? Let alone conquer the national title? No, that was not considered very likely at the time. And yet last year the Groninger surprised friend and foe, including himself, by doing exactly that. In Emmen, Mollema was no less than half a minute faster than time trial specialists Tom Dumoulin and Daan Hoole, the numbers two and three at the National Time Trial Championships.
Focus present
Could the experienced class baker, now 36 years old, be able to repeat that trick again this year? It was the question that concerned cycling enthusiasts in Elspeet and the surrounding area. Because it was there, in the wooded area of the picturesque Gelderland village, that Mollema would attempt to prolong his title. He had visibly enjoyed riding around in that coveted red, white and blue jersey over the past year. That was well worth defending.
Judging by the warm-up, the focus was certainly there, he would also agree afterwards. Mollema kicked the trappers around with a calm but firm step, sweat gushing from his head onto the floor. Not an ounce too much on the body. Once started, it seemed to be in good shape. At the first measuring point, Mollema was only 4 seconds behind Jos van Emden. But on the finish line that gap was suddenly 40 seconds, resulting in a disappointing fifth place.
Not good enough
“It wasn’t good enough,” Mollema said realistically afterwards. “The start and the first 10 kilometers were very good. I was able to kick the right wattages. But then we got a little more wind against and from the side and there were a few pieces of false flat. Then I noticed that it couldn’t really pull through, that I had to downshift a gear, at the point where you just want to take it up a notch. The second round I was a lot less than the first. And then you just fall short.”
While the national anthem sounded in the background for winner Jos van Emden, Mollema said that he had fully focused on the National Time Trial Championships in recent weeks. “That was the main goal. I wanted to defend this title and therefore copied last year’s preparation as much as possible. That worked, the feeling was good and I was on weight. I am disappointed that I could not continue the first kilometers. But yes, even then it would not have been enough for the title…”
Daan Hoole, his teammate at Trek-Segafredo, did end up on the podium. The South Hollander finished second behind Van Emden at 18 seconds. Number three Sjoerd Bax followed at 24 seconds. Mollema: „I am not surprised that Daan rides on stage. We spent a lot of time in the room together during the Giro and at various training camps. We get along well. In the run-up to the Dutch National Championships, there were sometimes some teasing, ha ha.”
Tour or not?
The national championship on the road in Sittard next weekend will skip Mollema. The NK time trial was, in his own words, too explosive for him. Moreover, before the Tour de France starts next Saturday in Bilbao, Spain, he wants to spend some time with his family. “I didn’t see the time trial as preparation for the Tour, but riding in warm weather is always good. I like this period. Once at home in Monaco I do another good training block.”
Incidentally, Mollema still does not know whether he is allowed to travel to France at all. “No, nothing is certain yet,” he confessed. Does he want it? “That anyway.” If the Groningen man gets that chance, he will become a foreman in a team that is overflowing with qualities. “Mattias Skjelmose for the general classification, Mads Pedersen for the sprints and Giulio Ciccone for the KOM jersey and a stage victory. I don’t think I’ve ever driven in a team that can compete in so many terrains. Not at Trek and not at Rabo.”