Our team returns this week to a race in which we have tasted success on numerous occasions.
The 62nd edition of the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque (4-8 May) follows a traditional route, with several opportunities for the sprinters and a tough parcours on the penultimate day, when the general classification will be decided. Of course, also the stages considered to be flat can have an impact on the outcome of the race, as the combination of short hills (although not close to the finish), cobbled sectors and strong winds can make for an explosive race before the Cassel stage, scheduled on Saturday, when the riders will tackle the 2800 m-long town climb nine times.
A classic-orientated Etixx – Quick-Step team will ride the French race, with the likes of Iljo Keisse, Yves Lampaert, Nikolas Maes, Niki Terpstra, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck and Stijn Vandenbergh ready to put on a fight in Northern France and go for the overall standings. Besides them, the squad will also include Maximiliano Richeze; the Argentinean, fresh off his second place in Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt on Sunday, will have new opportunities to be in the mix on the flat and take on the other sprinters.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele