“The absence of Gesink doesn’t change the role Wilco Kelderman’s going to play,” he said. “Wilco goes to the Tour de France in a free role. Now Gesink falls away, he holds the position we planned with him.”

Gesink admitted his frustrations at missing out, believing he was finding form nicely.

“I’ve put a lot of energy in my preparations for the Tour de France and I felt strong on Tenerife. It’s a big disappointment that I have to miss the Tour because of this setback,” he said.

Vuelta a Espana stage winner Bert-Jan Lindeman is also selected, alongside Classics specialist Sep Vanmarcke.

Germans Robert Wagner and Paul Martensm, Belgian rider Maarten Wynants, and Dutchman Timo Roosen complete the line-up.

And Kelderman is relishing his free role, concluding: “I’m looking forward to the Tour and we’re going to aim for good results.

“My free role gives me the chance to choose some stages to aim for. My chances are in the mountains.

“It’s a good thing that the sprint train goes to the Tour as well. They are in a flow and are very motivated.”

LottoNL-Jumbo for the 2016 Tour de France

Wilco Kelderman (NED)
Dylan Groenewegen (NED)
Bert-Jan Lindeman (NED)
Sep Vanmarcke (BEL)
George Bennett (NZL)
Paul Martens (GER)
Robert Wagner (GER)
Maarten Wynants (BEL)
Timo Roosen (NED)