We are concluding the month of July in France, not at the Grande Boucle, but at the three-day race getting underway this Tuesday.
The Tour de l’Ain will start with a stage for the fast men, but is set to continue with two days that will give as many opportunities to the climbers. A double ascent of the long Col de Portes followed by a stage comprising seven classified climbs and an elevation gain of 3000 meters before the uphill finish in Lélex Monts-Jura will shape the general classification of the race where our team has won a total of nine times at the previous participations.
Soudal Quick-Step, who enjoyed another excellent run at the Tour de France this month, will be present at the start of this 38th edition with a six-man squad consisting of World Tour and Devo riders: Henrique Bravo - who just a few weeks ago won Giro della Valle d’Aosta, one of the most prestigious races on the U23 scene - Said Cisneros, Il Giro and La Vuelta stage victor Alberto Dainese, Gil Gelders, Erazem Valjavec, and Stan Van Tricht, making his first appearance since winning a fast and hard edition of the Kemmel Koerse.
It’s an interesting route, consisting of one day for the sprinters and two which will favor the climbers.
- Soudal Quick-Step sports director Niki Terpstra -
“We have a strong team, a nice mix of experienced riders and promising youngsters. On the opening day, we’ll support Alberto to get a good result, while in the next two, we will see what our young climbers can do in the fight for the white jersey and a good general classification”, explained sports director Niki Terpstra.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
