Belgian rider frustrated at not being selected for any Grand Tour during time with team
Ben Hermans (Team Radioshack) is not on his team’s long list for the Vuelta a España, and the Belgian says he is searching for a new team for the 2012 season. Radioshack, who recently let go of another Belgian classics specialist, Sebastian Rosseler, has not commented on Hermans.
Though Hermans, 25, is having a good season in his second year with Radioshack, the two appear as if they are parting ways. “I am deeply disappointed,” Hermans told Sporza regarding his exclusion from Radioshack’s Vuelta start list. “I joined Radioshack to participate in the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta. But in my two years, I have not [participated in a Grand Tour].”
Hermans raced for Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator in 2009, when he finished 14th in the Flèche Wallonne and briefly held the lead at the Vuelta a Burgos. He earned a contract with Radioshack for 2010, and while results were sparse, he did win a stage of the Tour of Belgium. Though he has just one win in 2011, February’s Trofeo Inca, Hermans appears to be having his best season yet. He finished in the top 25 of all three Ardennes Classics, highlighted by an eighth place at Amstel Gold. Just last month, Hermans finished third overall at the Tour de Wallonie.
The third year professional from Hasselt seems to have built confidence through his Wallonie podium. “It’s too bad, because with my current form, I certainly could do something in the Vuelta,” he added.
Coming off the Wallonie success, Hermans heads to the Eneco Tour, where he likes his chances. “It is good this year. The Eneco Tour course is for me,” he claimed.
Hermans has been rumored to be signing with Leopard-Trek, but he is quick to stamp out any early speculation. “Let’s be clear: there is nothing on paper,” he responded about a contract being inked for next season. He did indicate that negotiations with several teams should begin soon.
“I’m certainly open to any offers,” he concluded. “The new Omega Pharma-Quick Step? If they are interested, I would certainly like to talk to them. I hope to complete my transfer soon.”
Without Hermans, Radioshack will attempt another assault on the general classification at the Vuelta. Janez Brajkovic and Andreas Klöden highlight the team’s long list. Both general classification contenders had to drop out of the Tour de France prematurely with injuries sustained in crashes. Haimar Zubeldia has also stated that his form is good, and that he plans on contending for an overall title as well.
Tiago Machado, 20th overall in the Giro d’Italia also expects to start, along with American road race champion Matthew Busche and South African sprinter Robert Hunter.
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Radioshack’s initial start list for the Vuelta a España:
Janez Brajkovic (SLO), Matthew Busche (USA), Robert Hunter (RSA), Markel Irizar (ESP), Andreas Klöden (GER), Geoffroy Lequatre (FRA), Tiago Machado (POR), Sergio Paulinho (POR), Nelson Santos Oliveira (POR), Haimar Zubeldia (ESP)