Belgian continues spring campaign, race will also function as worlds preview
Although many big names who target the northern Classics tend to back off after the conclusion of Paris-Roubaix, Tom Boonen has said that he will continue racing, lining out in next Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race.
The Belgian Omega Pharma Quick Step rider committed to the event at a press conference held last Wednesday. While he plays down his chances this time round, he believes that he can be a big factor in the future.
“I’m certainly looking forward to the Dutch classic, but I have to take into account a lot of fresh riders. Many guys have little racing in their legs so far this season while I already have quite a lot of kilometers,” he stated, added that he was heading there to give something back to his team.
Boonen is known as a sprinter and a winner of flat races such as Paris-Roubaix, but he can also handle short, sharp hills such as those which litter the course of the Ronde Van Vlaanderen. That marks him up as a rider who could ride well in the Dutch race; he believes this to be the case, but also feels that he needs more time.
“First I need experience. You really need to know the route well if you are going to compete in the Amstel Gold Race. I still have some years left in professional cycling, and I think in the coming seasons I could have a prominent role,” he said.
“This year I will try to take my chances because the Cauberg is a hill that I can handle well. But my first goal is to work for Sylvain Chavanel.”
The Frenchman was sixteenth in both 2010 and 2011 and is in good form this year, riding well thus far. He’s dedicated himself to Boonen and now could be the chance for him to play his own card.
For those who take part in this year’s race, riding the course gives them an advantage for the worlds, which will cover some of the same roads. Boonen won the rainbow jersey back in 2005 and now, seven years later and back to his best form, he would like to target the race once again.
“It will also be nice to ride the Amstel Gold Race with a view to the World Championships this year, with the finish in Valkenburg.” he said.
Ronde Van Vlaanderen runner-up Filippo Pozzato is also scheduled to start the Amstel Gold Race, according to the organisers. The Italian was disappointed yesterday, missing Boonen’s move, crashing and then pulling out. If he can build his motivation back up, he could perform well in Sunday’s race.
Fourteen years ago he was second to Ireland’s Mark Scanlon in the world junior road race championships in Valkenburg, and so the Dutch roads have significance for him.