Dutch name strong squad for Olympics road race

Koninklijke Nederlandsche Wielren Unie (Royal Dutch Cycling Federation) used the power of a gif to announce its four-man squad for this summer's Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro.

All four riders are on the WorldTour, and three of them have already had a very good start to the year. What's more, any one of them could take leadership duties and come away with a medal.

Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) won the opening time trial at the Giro d'Italia and enjoyed two spells in the leader's pink jersey. He has made no secret of his desire to win gold in the time trial, but also be an outside chance for the road race.

Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL-Jumbo) looked set to become the first Dutchman to win the Giro as he sat on a three minute advantage with two stages remaining. A big crash and a resulting broken rib saw him slip down to fourth by the time Vincenzo Nibali's victory was sealed, but Kruijswijk has shown that he can ride with - and away from - the best.

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Wout Poels (Team Sky) celebrated a strong spring campaign with victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, his team's first Monument. Whether leader or domestique on the day, he's sure to put in a strong ride and is likely to find himself on the right side of any big moves.

Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) is the least decorated of the squad this year but that does not indicate a selection error. Top 10 finishes in Tirreno-Adriatico and Liège-Bastogne-Liège show that he's worthy of his place and will be a strong asset to whoever is named as leader, should one of the other three get the nod.