Stroetinga off to a good start

Wim Stroetinga got his professional career off to a good start Sunday with a second place finish in the Cancer Council Classic, his first road race for Team Milram. The 23-year-old Dutchman is a multiple national champion on the track.

"This second place will be a surprise to many, but not to me. Cycling insiders recommended Wim Stroetinga to me as an absolute sprint talent," said team manager Gerry van Gerwen.

He noted that Sunday's race was just a short criterium and that the speedy youngster will still have to prove himself in longer races. "But I am sure that this multiple Dutch track champion will make the transition to being a pro on the road."

Stroetinga recently brought in three individual titles at the Dutch national track championships in December, winning the points, individual pursuit and scratch titles. He also won the Madison title together with Peter Schep. (SW)