Dutchman takes two victories in five days
Jos van Emden won two prologues in five days, at the Delta Profronde and at the Ster Elektrotoer. The Dutchman isn’t quite sure where his recent form is coming from, which he calls the best of his life. Riding the Giro d’Italia has been a crucial part in his preparation, even though it doesn’t explain everything.
“When I came out of the Giro last year, I felt quite good, even though I barely finished the race. This year, the Giro went much better, but in the period afterwards I didn’t feel quite as well,” said Van Emden on rabosports.nl. “And then this happens,” he smiled when talking about his two victories. “If somebody understands it, please explain.”
Van Emden said that he trained well after the Grand Tour in Italy. “Maybe I did come out of the Giro really strong. It could be just my feeling that I am worse.”
He won’t be interested in changing his program, saying that the Giro was good for him. “I am quite sure that the 2009 Giro made me much better. The beginning of this season made it apparent that I made another step up.” He also changed his training to more quality workouts. “I am more explosive and also made progress uphill.”
The Hel van het Mergelland was proof of that. “There, I could made the difference, but I did a mistake in a race that I should have won.” It bothered him a while. “But now this is of course a thing of the past.”
The Ster will still hit a few hills in the Ardennes, where he may be able to show off his newfound strength. “I am a more complete rider, possibly because of the two Giros. As I said, Mergelland was already really good, so it could go well here as well. That makes me really curious.”
The question about him going to the Tour made Van Emden smile. “Jos van Emden to the Tour! Of course you have to stay with both feet on the ground. Maybe in the future.” He is still happy with his progress. “In the past I always paid attention who have finished top ten in the Grand Tours. This year I was ninth in the Giro prologue myself and 12th in the final time trial. And now I won two prologues in a row. Maybe I need to further specialize on that.”