Our team hopes to be among the protagonists Thursday afternoon.
The first of Germany’s two races on the World Tour calendar, Eschborn-Frankfurt holds its 62nd edition on the first day of May, a bit shorter than the previous one, but retaining the same ingredients.
Almost 200 kilometers in length, the race passes through the Taunus Hills west of Frankfurt, with the peloton set to take several times on the climbs of Grosser Feldberg and Mammolshain. The latter is the most important hurdle of the day, as it features three times on the course and has been decisive in the past. Averaging 8.3% over just 2.3 kilometers, the Mammolshain will be crested the last time with 35 kilometers to go, thus giving a chance to the attackers to drop the sprinters in the hope they can hold off the chasers on the flat roads taking to Frankfurt.
Soudal Quick-Step will go to the start of Eschborn-Frankfurt with a versatile seven-man team comprising Mattia Cattaneo, Gil Gelders, Antoine Huby – who returns from injury in what will be his first outing for the Wolfpack since the beginning of February – Omloop Het Nieuwsblad runner-up Paul Magnier, neo-pro Andrea Raccagni, home favourite Maximilian Schachmann and Jordi Warlop.
“It’s the last important one-day race of the spring, and not an easy one, with a total of five climbs. This means a small group has a chance of making it, but on the other hand, we could also have a reduced bunch sprint. Our team for Thursday is a strong one, capable of being present in such a group, but ready also to support Paul in case of a sprint. This makes us confident we can get a good result”, said sports director Wilfried Peeters.
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