It was a good, energetic atmosphere for Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team at a press conference for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Sylvain Chavanel and Tom Boonen took questions from the press, with other members of the team racing this weekend also in attendance. Boonen, who had difficulty arriving due to a traffic jam between Antwerp and Ghent, remained in good spirits and was his usual outgoing self.
Chavanel said he is confident about Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, even if he's coming off a sickness within the past few days.
"I am ready and would like to do a good race," Chavanel said. "I like it a lot, this kind of parcours, with cobblestones. It's like a mini Tour of Flanders. For me it's perfect, but we will see a lot of competitors. Some strong riders on paper."
Chavanel will not race Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, but will instead do reconnaissance of Ronde van Vlaanderen on Sunday.
Boonen, who has never won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but has won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne three times, said he will be motivated for both races. Especially with the team's early season success.
"I am really happy about the start of the season so far," Boonen said. "This race in particular is the first race in Belgium, with a big atmosphere. We have supporters who have been waiting for Omloop a long time. But at the same time it's not the end of the world if I am not one of the protagonists. I feel good and I am ready to do what's best."
The team had a photo shoot after the press conference, and is prepared for the races this weekend in Belgium.
