Robert Gesink has reported that he is feeling better as the world road race championship approaches, confirming on Rabosport.nl that he is getting over the injury problems that affected him in the Vuelta.
The tall Dutchman was lying second overall in the race but crashed hard on last Wednesday’s stage to Talavera de la Reina. He suffered on the following day’s stage to Avila, held onto his GC place, but then dropped down to sixth on last Friday’s final mountain leg. He then ended the Vuelta in that position, losing out on a probable podium place.
Gesink and his girfriend Daisy are now staying at Lake Como as he prepares for the world championships. “With the weather in the Netherlands at this time of year, the chance that it is harder to train,” he said. “Bad weather, rain and wind. I had to prepare for the World Championships in the best way. This was to combine a short holiday, a nice environment, where you get rest easily. I’ll stay here a few days and then go to the team on Thursday.
“The most important thing now is to rest. It is the best thing to recover for the World Championships. Of course I’m not sitting around; every day I go on the bike for three to three and a half hours on the bike. The doctors and trainer agree that’s the best thing to do between the Vuelta and the World Championships. I’m still in top form that won’t be lost by the fall.”
The 23 year old said that he was initially worried about being in proper shape for the race due to the aftermath of his fall, including a badly cut knee, but that things are looking much better now. The Rabobank rider still feels pain, but it is easing with each day and he expects to be fine for Sunday.
“If I feel good, I certainly intend to show myself. The course is good for me and if I have good sensations, I’ll be there at the end.”
Gesink is known as a promising stage race rider, but has also fared well in one day events. He was third in this year’s Amstel Gold race and fourth in the 2008 Flèche Wallonne.