Tim Merlier, Yves Lampaert, Max Schachmann and Ilan Van Wilder will all be in action for the Wolfpack.
Held annually since 1933, Paris-Nice is one of the most prestigious races of the calendar, one where many riders hope to shine. Known as the “Race to the Sun” despite the fact that in recent years rain has been a constant presence, Paris-Nice is also one of the events where Soudal Quick-Step has tasted success on multiple occasions, winning a total of 19 stages and eight classifications.
Le Perray-en-Yvelines, a small town sitting just 50 kilometers from the capital, is where the peloton will gather on March 9 for the start of the 82nd edition, one that on paper should have a bit of everything for everyone. Three stages for the sprinters – one surprisingly coming just before the weekend – two opportunities for the puncheurs and baroudeurs, and an undulating team time trial in Nevers will set up the fight for the general classification, which should be an explosive one.
Auron, a 7.3km climb averaging 7.2%, promises to reshuffle the overall standings on the penultimate day, just before the short but action-packed final stage around lovely Nice, which will comprise four climbs on whose slopes anything can happen: Col de la Porte, Côte de Peille, Col d’Èze and Col des Quatre Chemines.
The most successful sprinter since the start of the season, with four victories to his name, Tim Merlier will be back at the start of the competition where he picked up a stage win two years ago. The French race will be an important goal also for Maximilian Schachmann – a two-time winner of the GC – who just a few weeks ago finished a solid fifth at the Volta ao Algarve and Ilan Van Wilder. Rounding out Soudal Quick-Step’s roster for Paris-Nice are Ayco Bastiaens, former Belgian Champion Yves Lampaert, Dries Van Gestel, and Bert Van Lerberghe.
“It will be a very demanding race. The wind could play an important role in the first couple of days, while the second part of the week will be incredibly challenging. We go there with a balanced team: Tim will be our guy for the sprints, while Max and Ilan will go for a good general classification. We also hope for a strong outing in the team time trial, a discipline which we like a lot”, said sports director Tom Steels.
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