Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will take part in Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn - Frankfurt on Wednesday, May 1st. The race includes a steep climb: the Mammolshainer Berg — a short climb with a 26% ramp in sections. There is also a circuit in Frankfurt for the final.
"This year the parcour is a little bit harder because we climb Mammolshainer Berg four times instead of three," Sport Director Jan Schaffrath said. "It's a hard climb, and for sure will make things a little bit different with an additional time climbing it. Our two German guys will be at the start — Bert Grabsch and Tony Martin. For them this is like a home race. They don't ride so often in Germany, so for them it's good. Last year was also the first race of Tony after a crash during training. He was in a breakaway in this race in 2012, so he has a really good feeling for the course and the crowds on the road. For sure Grabsch and Martin will try to honor the race. Our top rider for the race will be Gianni Meersman. In the last years it was a good race for somebody like Andre Greipel and Gerald Ciolek. So, with the race being a little harder this year, why not for a guy like Gianni? A rider has to be able to stay with the peloton through all the short climbs going into the final, so I think our best solution for this race is Meersman. He's in good condition, motivated, and we hope to put him in the best position to do a good race."
