This Saturday, the peloton will travel to the Cinquantenaire park in the Belgian capital for the Brussels Cycling Classic (1.Pro, 28/08). Traditionally, the riders leave in a south-west direction before turning back to the metropolis for a royal sprint via a series of climbs. This year, the organization has new elements in store. After a usual passage in front of the Lion’s Mound in Waterloo, the peloton brings the riders to Geraardsbergen for a double ascension of the Muur van Geraardsbergen, Bosberg and Congoberg. In this way, the organization is breaking with the traditional scenario of a predictable bunch sprint. The semi classic of 205.3 kilometer contains the Heiligekruiswegstraat as last difficulty, situated 14 kilometer before the finish in front of the Baudoin Stadium in Laken.
Danny van Poppel, recently winner of the Egmont cycling race, is one of the favorites this Saturday. Next to the Dutchman, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert can also count on Aimé De Gendt, 3rd in the Druivenkoers last Thursday, or on the fast legs of Andrea Pasqualon. Like De Gendt and Pasqualon, Taco van der Hoorn will also have de Druivenkoers in Overijse in the legs. Belgian rider Jasper De Plus and Dutch rider Boy van Poppel are also part of the line up under the sportive direction of Hilaire Van der Schueren.
The area around Brussels contains many possibilities to create a fantastic parcours, and I'm happy that the organization of the Brussels Cycling Classic chose to integrate the Muur van Geraardsbergen, the Bosberg and the Congoberg in the race. The difficulty of the race increased, which should be in favor of our team. Even though I know the climbs by heart, I'll study the parcours in detail in order to be perfectly prepared for the start. The last couple of weeks I've shown that I'm feeling good and the same counts for my teammates. What the team is accomplishing in the Tour of Spain is really fascinating. I'm very motivated to continue the succes this Saturday.
Line up :
De Gendt Aimé
De Plus Jasper
Pasqualon Andrea
van der Hoorn Taco
van Poppel Boy
van Poppel Danny
Sportive Direction :
Hilaire Van der Schueren
