The Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team has officially announced the squad that will take part in the second World Tour event of the season, the Paris-Nice, taking place on French roads from March 4th to the 11th. The 70th edition of the brief French stage race will be disputed over 8 stages, two of which will be time trials, for a total of 1,155.5 km.
"The team has a very high level line up," said Sports Director Brian Holm. "There's a lot of talent on the squad. Our goal is to fight for final victory. The route is suited to the skills of our leaders, Tony Martin, who won in 2011, Levi Leipheimer and Sylvain Chavanel. The opening time trial and the closing time trial will be very important in the economy of the race, as will the 5th stage with an uphill arrival in Mende. In general, as always it will be a hard fought Paris-Nice, we'll have to ride paying close attention to hidden hazards on the route. As far as we're concerned we're going to race to try to protect our leaders and set them up in the best conditions to play for final victory. The group is very strong and suited to any type of terrain. Kevin De Weert and Dries Devenyns will support the leaders on the climbs, Nikolas Maes and Stijn Vandenbergh will be the guys to eventually control the race. Tom Boonen will try to play his cards on the stages that favour him and will put his own experience to the service of the team when necessary."
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