First appearance for Paul Magnier since winning the Giro d’Italia points classification.
Wednesday schedules the 195.6km Circuit Franco-Belge, a race where our team has tasted victory three times with as many different riders. Running from Tournai to Mont-de-l’Enclus, over a course numbering a total of twenty climbs, this 85th edition should make for some great racing and an electrifying fight for victory on the uphill finish which is sure to bring not just the sprinters in contention.
Ten days after completing an unforgettable Giro d’Italia, Paul Magnier will pin on a number again, ready to lead Soudal Quick-Step on Belgian soil. Victorious in three stages at the Corsa Rosa - a feat only a couple of Frenchmen achieved in the entire history of the race - the 22-year-old will be joined at the start by Ayco Bastiaens, Gil Gelders, Tour Down Under best young rider Andrea Raccagni, Fabio Van den Bossche, as well as Devo riders Matthijs De Clercq and Stan Van Tricht.
“We have four guys returning to action for the first time since the Giro d’Italia, and it remains to be seen how things go, but what’s clear is that we’re looking forward to it. The team is a strong one and has options here in the fight for a good result. It’s not an easy race, comprising many hills - not the hardest of climbs, but by the end of the race, fatigue will build up and this could play a role. In recent years there has been a bunch sprint - although not from a big group - so we’ll see if the outcome will be similar”, sports director Iljo Keisse said.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
