Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will take on the 195km Le Samyn Belgian race this afternoon. In a race where Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung placed two riders in the top 10 last year, the team will again look to ride strongly in the Belgian semi-classic.
While the majority of the race is rather flat there are a few challenges midway on the route. 5 typical short steep Belgian climbs, a few cobbled sections and the usual Belgian spring weather usually split this race up quite a bit. With these main challenges being quite far from the finish though, tradition has always seen a slight regrouping of the race before the finish.
The difficulties are still enough though as to ensure it is only the hardened classics sprinters that are left in contention for the reduced bunch gallop. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will have a strong team will suited to the parcours today.
Led by Gerald Ciolek, who had to miss last year’s edition of the race due to illness, the team will be able to count on Kristian Sbaragli (5th last year), Andreas Stauff (8th last year), Martin Reimer, Johann van Zyl, Jay Thomson and Ignatas Konovalovas.
After a strong performance last year, Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will still be looking to aim higher this year with the goal of podium finish. Racing will get underway at 13:00 (CAT) today and you can follow our teams progress via our twitter feed, @TeamMTNQhubeka
Le Samyn (Belgium) – (5 March/UCI1.1)
Gerald Ciolek (GER)
Kristian Sbaragli (ITA)
Andreas Stauff (GER)
Martin Reimer (GER)
Johann van Zyl (RSA)
Jay Thomson (RSA)
Ignatas Konovalovas (LTU)
Staff: Jens Zemke (Sports Director), Dr Frederik van der Colff (Doctor), Bastian Buffel (Soigneur), Nico Beyens (Soigneur), Jim Bryan (Mechanic), Werner Lenk (Mechanic), Stevie Christaens (Mechanic)
