Belgian squad aiming for success in the biggest stage race in Benelux
Omega Pharma-Quick Step is sending a mixed squad of its top riders to the Eneco Tour, which starts on Monday, August 6th. The seven day race features a variety of stages, including a team time trial and, since it is the highest ranking stage race in the Benelux region, the Belgian team hopes to do well.
“The Eneco Tour is a very important race for us,” explained directeur sportif Rik Van Slycke, who will guide the team along with Wilfried Peeters. “The route is very interesting and varied. The second stage is a team time trial in which we want to do well. The race will also give us some indications for the Teams’ World Championships in Valkenburg. In the individual time trial athletes like [Sylvain] Chavanel, [Niki] Terpstra and [Michal] Kwiatkowski could do well and perhaps make it into the higher ranks of the general classification.
“The last stage, which arrives in Geraardsbergen, presents a finish similar to that of a small classic.
“The Eneco Tour is a WorldTour race,” Van Slycke continued. “Our objective is to be a major player in every phase of the race. In the competition we have the Belgian champion [Tom] Boonen and Dutch champion Terpstra. It will be further motivation to honour the race in the best way possible.”
Omega Pharma-Quick Step team to the Eneco Tour
Tom Boonen, Sylvain Chavanel, Dries Devenyns, Michal Kwiatkowski, Gert Steegmans, Niki Terpstra, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck and Stijn Vandenbergh