Remco Evenepoel teams up with in-form Mikel Landa to tackle Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic - "It will be a very challenging parcours against a strong field"
Cycling
Soudal - Quick-Step will be battling against the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and more at the Itzulia Basque Country and they take a stacked lineup of climbers led by Remco Evenepoel and Mikel Landa.
“I’m looking forward to returning to racing in the Basque Country," Evenepoel said in a press release. "It’s a beautiful area that I’ve enjoyed racing in, in both Itzulia and Clasica San Sebastian, and as always it will be a very challenging parcours against a strong field. I’m especially looking forward to racing with Mikel in his home region, knowing that the local fans are so knowledgeable and passionate about cycling."
For Evenepoel it is a key test ahead of the Tour de France, with the three favourites most likely in good form; and this being his first battle with Vingegaard this season. The Belgian aims for a strong GC result in France and the same applies here, with this route suiting him better with the initial time-trial and the explosive hilly stages.
“We have a very strong line-up for next week’s race, with Remco and Mikel, together with a couple of young guys but also some experienced helpers, so the feeling is good going into the race," team DS Klaas Lodewyck added. "Itzulia is a tough event, one of the hardest of the season, and you need to pay attention the whole time and be at your best level to fight for a top result. We are ready to give our all as we aim for the best possible GC result next Saturday".
He will have Mikel Landa as a co-leader by his side, after the Basque climber finished second to Tadej Pogacar at the Volta a Catalunya. Good signs for the team, which will have cards to play throughout the week. The lineup is completed by Louis Vervaeke, Pieter Serry, James Knox, Gil Gelders and William Lecerf Junior.
Soudal - Quick-Step for Itzulia Basque Country:
Remco Evenepoel, Gil Gelders, James Knox, Mikel Landa, William Lecerf Junior, Pieter Serry and Louis Vervaeke.
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🔥 @EvenepoelRemco & @MikelLandaMeana team up next week for one of the best races of the season 🔥 Artwork: @ArtsRonan
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