Oliver Naesen to captain AG2R La Mondiale in Paris-Roubaix
Apr 06 2018 02:17 am CET
Photo of Oliver Naesen © Mary Cárdenas / CyclingPub.com
Oliver Naesen is set to lead AG2R La Mondiale at Paris-Roubaix. The rider will be supported by a strong team which will try to beat the bad luck of the spring season.
Luck has not been on Naesen's side in the spring campaign but the team supports him 100 percent ahead of the Monument. "Oliver Naesen has shown that he could compete with the best, but unfortunately luck has not been on his side," said teammate Gediminas Bagnodas, who will be by his side in the race.
"His most recent crash at the Tour of Flanders just reiterated that. But before starting a new chapter of the season, we are very motivated to finish this period of classics strongly."
It won't be the first time for the Lithuanian in the race and he already knows some things that are important to remember in the 'Hell of the North'. "If ill fate would just leave us alone, we can achieve some great things," he commented. "I have already participated at Paris-Roubaix five times, but it is important to remember each cobbled section well.
"At this race, even more than any place else, your position in the pack is paramount. I cannot wait to experience the atmosphere of Roubaix. And it starts with two days of reconnoitring."
Swiss rider Silvan Dillier will be replacing Rudy Barbier, who crashed in the Tour of Flanders and required five stitches in his right knee.
Complete line-up of AG2R La Mondiale for Paris-Roubaix (8th of April):
Nico Denz
Silvan Dillier
Tony Gallopin
Oliver Naesen
Stijn Vandenbergh
Gediminas Bagdonas
Julien Duval
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