Bauke Mollema won the first Dutch national title of his career on Wednesday, beating Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) in the 29.4-kilometre test in Emmen.
The new Dutch champion joins compatriot Ellen van Dijk, Italian champion Elisa Longo-Borghini and Latvian champion Toms Skujins in claiming the title as part of the Trek-Segafredo organisation.
“I didn't expect this to be possible. I secretly hoped for a medal," Mollema said to AD.nl.
"Today I had a super day. Everything went perfectly. For example, I was very good at staying aero. I surprised myself too, because I didn't expect this to be possible. I secretly hoped for a medal. But really winning and with a lead of half a minute, I had never imagined that.”
The Dutchman admitted to having a "love-hate" relationship with time trialists and never as competitive as specialists like Dumoulin or Jos van Emden.
"But the time trials have gone very well in recent years. I was already thinking about it and this year it happened."
“Yes, my sports director just told me that I can start in Copenhagen in the red-white-and blue in the Tour.
“That is going to be very nice. It does give a kick. I have never been able to win an Dutch championship, not even as a youth.”
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