Cervélo riders will be rolling up their sleeves.
The Cervélo TestTeam riders will be rolling up their sleeves to take on the challenge of E3 Prijs Vlaanderen and Ghent-Wevelgem this weekend. Before things get underway, we’ll have a short look at the two races.
Saturday 27 March, 53rd E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Traditionally, a rider trying to peak for Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix took part in E3 Prijs Vlaanderen. The 210 kilometers single day semi-classic race starts and finishes in the town of Harelbeke. The first half of the course is mostly flat before tackling many of the same climbs that the riders will see at Flanders. The twelve climbs in the last half of the race usually make sure that only a small group of riders will compete in the final kilometers.
Thor Hushovd, who finished fouth last year, will be Cervélo’s man for Saturday.
Sunday 28 March, 72nd Ghent-Wevelgem
Ghent-Wevelgem which is known to favor the sprinters more than any of the other Spring Classics. The course sandwiched between Flanders and Roubaix, it has been toughened up, with 16 climbs, including a double passage up the Mont des Cats en Mont Noir. The distance isn’t quite “classics” length, but at 219km, and the famously harsh Belgian wind and rain, the race will be interesting to follow.
Last year’s star Heinrich Haussler was expected to take the next step this year. Unfortunately, things don’t appear to be working-out as planned. “With Haussler’s knee injury, opportunities for the other riders will open up”, said Sports Director Jean-Paul van Poppel. “The team is general looking very strong.”.
Cervélo TestTeam:
Roger Hammond (GBR)
Jeremy Hunt (GBR)
Thor Hushovd (NOR) – E3 Prijs Vlaanderen
Andreas Klier (GER)
Brett Lancaster (AUS)
Daniel Lloyd (GBR)
Gabriel Rasch (NOR)
Martin Reimer (GER)
Dominique Rollin (CAN)