January 15, 2013 will be a day to remember for Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and all our fans.
THE EVENT
In fact, the team has organized a really special 2013 team presentation. Against a spectacular setting like the velodrome in Gent dedicated to cycling legend Eddy Merckx, the riders will showcase in front of everyone in attendance. They will do so by challenging each other in an event that will go down in history as the first edition of the OPQS Championships.
The team's athletes will compete against one another in various track specialties for a veritable track reunion, surrounded by the same type of atmosphere you could soak up in a Six Days event.
Track Lap, Sprint Tournment, Elimination, and Team Sprint will make up the evening's schedule, which is sure to include some surprises, like an exciting "behind Derny" competition featuring a star from the Six Days and OPQS rider, Iljo Keisse, artists' exhibits and musical entertainment.
The evening will wrap up with the naming of the first OPQS Champion, who will wear the fantastic celebratory jersey, which will then be available to all fans at the team's web shop.
"We're talking about a unique, innovative concept," explains Team Manager Patrick Lefevere. "Cycling is a dynamic sport and we figured that presenting the riders in their natural element, on bikes, will definitely make the evening more special. For the first time ever, the team will organize a veritable cycling event by taking advantage of all of our potential: Hospitality for our sponsors and guests, press exposure, merchandising and contact with our fans."
ENGAGE THE FANS!
Also keeping with our team tradition, the fans will be the main players in the evening. Members of the fan clubs for team riders can watch the event live. Other fans can get a ticket by participating in contests, which will be launched through the team's social media in the next few days, until the available spots run out.
"The velodrome will be our stage, the OPQS sponsors and fans our guests, and the riders will be our stars," said Commercial Director Marnix Drysdale. "In addition, we also offer VIP packages providing a select group of companies the unique opportunity to use this event as a client hospitality venue."
LIVE TELEVISION SHOW!
The event will also be broadcast live in Belgium on digital channel Sport 10, and available in streaming worldwide at: http://www.omegapharma-quickstep.com
Become our follower on internet and through our social media pages and stay up to date with the world of OPQS!
Check the hospitality packages on our dedicated website http://omegapharma-quickstep.com/kampioenschap
And following tradition, we will be counting on YOU, our fans, to make the evening a success. Fans of the team riders' various fan clubs can follow the event live. Other fans can get a ticket by participating in contests offered on the team's social media to be announced in the next few days.