Stybar, Gilbert and Jungels ready to lead Deceuninck-Quick-Step in Tour of Flanders
Apr 06 2019 02:35 am CET
Deceuninck-Quick-Step
Zdenek Stybar, Philippe Gilbert and Bob Jungels are ready to face the second Monument of the season: the Tour of Flanders. The riders are among the favourites of taking the victory of the race.
The Ronde van Vlaanderen will be 270.1 kilometres long from Antwerp to Oudenaarde over a route that featured 17 climbs and five cobblestone sectors. After taking the victory at the E3 BinckBank Tour, Stybar has shown that he has what it takes to win this kind of race.
"I did everything to be ready for Sunday, I’m happy to be regarded as one of the big contenders and I hope the race will go well and luck will be on our side," the Czech rider commenter. "It’s not just one of the most important races of the season, but also a personal favourite for our team and we are confident and motivated to keep it rolling for the Wolfpack."
Gilbert took the victory of the race two years ago and despite dealing with stomach problems on the last days, he will give his all at the Belgian race. "Of course, it’s not the best preparation to get sick ahead of a big goal, but I hope it will still be possible to do something," the rider explained.
"As you can see, our roster is a strong one, comprising many talented riders who can make the difference. We have to ride smart again and count on several riders in the final because having the numbers is always the best situation you can find yourself in."
Jungels has also had a good season in which he took the victory in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, finished in the third place of Dwars door Vlaanderen and set up the scenario for Stybar's victory at the E3. "Being at this level before Flanders gives me a lot of satisfaction because it means I’ve had a very good winter and a nice preparation in Colombia," the Luxembourger affirmed.
"It will be my first time in the Ronde and I’m proud to be here with these guys and really honoured to be named among the favourites, but what really matters, in the end, is what we’ll do during the race, for which we are prepared."
Deceuninck-Quick-Step's roster for the Tour of Flanders (7th of April):
Zdenek Stybar
Philippe Gilbert
Bob Jungels
Kasper Asgreen
Tim Declercq
Iljo Keisse
Yves Lampaert
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