CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious are set to compete in the German one-day Classic Eschborn-Frankfurt tomorrow.
The race has been held annually since 1962.
The parcours is a challenging 198.7km through the Taunus hills, surrounding one of Europe’s major financial hubs.
Over the past few years, the route of ‘Der Radklassiker’ has been revised, tipping the advantage to Ardennes classic specialists.
Bahrain Victorious head to the 62nd edition of the race with a well-balanced and motivated lineup tailored to the demands of the route. Matej Mohoric, returning after his crash at Paris-Roubaix, and Edoardo Zambanini, fresh from a strong Ardennes campaign, will lead the team.
Also back in action, having completed all the concussion protocols, is Torstein Træen. The Norwegian rejoins the peloton for the first time since a crash on stage seven of the UAE Tour in February forced him off the bike until now.
Bahrain Victorious sports director Aart Vierhouten shared his thoughts ahead of the race. “We’re heading to Frankfurt with a strong team and a clear goal to go for a good result,” he said.
“Zambanini and Mohoric are our main leaders. Both are excellent riders capable of performing well in the finale. They’ll be supported by Andrea Pasqualon, Roman Ermakov, Robert Stannard, Sergio Tu, and Torstein Træen, who is excited to be racing again. We’re happy to have him back with us.
“It’s a demanding course: two ascents of the 12km Feldberg, and three climbs of the Mammolshainer Stich, which has gradients of up to 16 per cent over 300 to 400 metres. It’s not long, but it’s always a decisive part of the race.
“The last time up comes just 30km from the finish. I believe Matej and Edoardo will be there in that key moment. They’ll get the best result possible. I’m confident we’ll be in the mix at the front.”
Bahrain Victorious go to the startline ready to take on the punchy terrain and fierce competition, aiming for a strong performance at Germany’s most prestigious one-day race.
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