Our classics campaign continues this week on home soil.
Leuven, the host of an unforgettable edition of the World Championships back in 2021, will once again welcome the Brabantse Pijl peloton for the start of the 63rd edition, which will take place over a 205.1km course comprising an interminable succession of hills, some featuring double-digit gradients.
The first of these – Chaussée d’Alsemberg – comes more than 60 kilometers into the race, while the last difficulty of the day, the famous S-Bocht Overijse (1300m, 4.2%), will be crested just 200 meters from the line – a final opportunity for the puncheurs to attack.
Having amassed a total of three victories and seven additional podiums at the previous participations, Soudal Quick-Step will look to play again a significant part Wednesday afternoon. Our team for the one-day race that makes the transition to the Ardennes Classics will consist of Andrea Bagioli, Rémi Cavagna, Dries Devenyns, Jannik Steimle, Martin Svrcek, Stan Van Tricht, and Jordi Warlop.
“Brabantse Pijl is not an easy race. We have some short climbs, also some cobblestones, and all these things usually make for a very chaotic day in the saddle. You need to be sharp and present at the front with a couple of riders so you can have more chances. We go there with a strong team – a mix of young and experienced guys – that provides us with more than one option, so we are ready to play our cards and do a good race on Wednesday”, said sports director Tom Steels.
Photo credit: ©David Ramos / Getty Images
Martin Svrček 