Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux have had no less than 21 wins this season already, and at the Arctic Race of Norway they are looking to build on that, largely with the ambitions of Quinten Hermans for both the hilly finales and the overall classification.
“The profile suits me. The first stage will already be paying attention to the classification riders, but especially the third and last stage the classification will be put in a definitive fold," Hermans told Wielerflits before the race. The Belgian has shown strong form during the recent Tour de Pologne where he finished third and fourth on two of the hilly stages of the race, and will be looking to carry that rhythm into the Arctic circle.
“The competition also seems to me to be slightly less than in the Tour of Poland. Although I will have to be good every day if I want to take a shot at the final win," he admits, however keen on the goal. With no time-trial and several explosive stages - including one summit finish - Hermans will be one of the main contenders for the race, alongside the likes of Tobias Johannessen, Andreas Leknessund and Victor Lafay.
"Everyone comes from an training camp at altitude or has the Tour de France in the legs. But I am absolutely going for it," he concluded. Hermans finished the opening stage in tenth place, but is expected to finish higher in the coming days.
Thanks guys amazing work today!! Unfortunately my body was to busy keeping me warm instead of giving me fast legs. Looking forward to next stages.
Shoutout to our trainees Dries De Pooter & Madis Mihkels, leading the peloton for Quinten Hermans in the final kilometer 👏 #ArcticRace 🇳🇴 pic.x.com/G9HAT8FPzD
