CYCLING – Team Bahrain Victorious are set to compete in the 29th ADAC Cyclassics in Germany today.
The one-day race starts in Buxtehude and finishes in Hamburg after 206 kilometres of racing.
It features rolling terrain, with the Waseberg (700 metres at 10 per cent) tackled five times, serving as a launchpad for late attacks and potentially leading to a reduced bunch sprint finish on the final loop alongside the Elbe River.
Bahrain Victorious will line up for the race with a mix of experienced riders and young debutants, with Vlad Van Mechelen as leader and Matej Mohoric as co-leader.
Two German riders will be among the squad’s key competitors, with Nikias Arndt serving as team captain. Both Arndt and Phil Bauhaus have previously finished in the top 10 at the race.
The team also features promising youngsters Fran Miholjevic, Zak Erzen, and Oliver Stockwell, who will take on supporting roles.
They will aim to shine among the world’s best in the elite men’s UCI World Tour race.
Bahrain Victorious lead sports director Aart Vierhouten commented: “We will start with Matej and Vlad as our leaders. All others are here to support them with a highly demanding final parcours, where we will do the Waseberg twice with only 12km between the climbs.
“From the top of the climb to the finish line is only 15km. So, we will see an absolutely fast and exciting last hour of the race.”