Julian Alaphilippe will be one of the fifteen Wolfpack riders to begin the season in Spain.
After seven years, our team returns at the Challenge Mallorca, which will once again comprise five races, taking place between 25-29 January: Trofeo Calvia, Trofeo Port d’Alcudia, Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, Trofeo Port d’Andratx and Trofeo Playa de Parma. The terrain leans heavily towards the puncheurs and climbers, but also the sprinters will have their opportunities, among those vying for a good result being also Ethan Vernon.
For the first time since 2020, Julian Alaphilippe will get his season underway in January, with the two-time World Champion keen to test his legs on the Spanish climbs, many of which will feature some steep gradients. Alaphilippe will be one of the many Soudal Quick-Step riders to kick off their campaign under Mallorca’s bright sun, with 2021 Ronde van Vlaanderen winner Kasper Asgreen, Tim Declercq, Fausto Masnada, newcomer Casper Pedersen and French Champion Florian Sénéchal also slated to race next week.
“We are going to Mallorca with fifteen riders, who will start their season there, and looking on our team I think we can say that every rider that comes with us there has the chance to do something. Of course, we look forward to seeing Julian in action; he’s had a difficult year and is keen to leave this behind. Ethan could also have a chance to fight for victory, but it won’t be easy, because even the easier races are still quite hard. All the guys have had a good winter and are really motivated to pin on a number again and do what they love most: race”, said sports director Tom Steels.
Soudal Quick-Step’s roster for the Challenge Mallorca: Julian Alaphilippe, Kasper Asgreen, Andrea Bagioli, Davide Ballerini, Rémi Cavagna, Josef Cerny, Tim Declercq, Fausto Masnada, Casper Pedersen, Florian Sénéchal, Bert Van Lerberghe, Ilan Van Wilder, Mauri Vansevenant, Ethan Vernon, Louis Vervaeke.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images
