After Sam Bennett's win in the Clasica de Almeria, Team NetApp-Endura will have plenty of confidence when they line up in the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen tomorrow. With Jan Barta on the roster, the team has a big chance to come away with the overall win.

After just four days of rest, Team NetApp – Endura will continue the Classics season in Belgium this Friday. The team will start there in the 376-kilometer tour known as the “Three Days of West Flanders”.   After a short 7-kilometer prologue to kick things off, two selective stages on real Classics terrain will follow on Saturday and Sunday. Riders will not only have to conquer the infamous Oude Kwaremont from the Tour of Flanders, but also the dreaded Kemmelberg with up to a 23% incline.

“The team has been in a great mood since Sam Bennett’s win. Of course, now the Classics riders also what to show what they can do. Jan Barta will certainly be among the strongest competitors in the time trial, but I hope that others will also do well in the prologue on Friday. If that happens, then many things are possible,” says the Sport Director Christian Pömer with confidence.

After the starting time trial, the 183-km stage on Saturday will head south from Bruges, the capital of West Flanders, to Harelbeke. Before the cyclists arrive at the final lap, which must be completed three times, the peloton will first have to face two extremely selective climbs with Kwaremont and Tiegernberg.

The route of the final stage is also more than challenging both from a topographical and technical standpoint. In addition to seven climbs, including the Kemmelberg with up to a 23% incline, five cobblestone sections will also be a deciding factor on this 186-km stretch from Nieuwpoort to Ichtegem.

“Of course the prologue will lead to an early decision, but then the teams will have to demonstrate a compact and clever riding style since both stages also include time bonuses. I think we are well prepared and will get our chance,” Pömer said, summing up.

Team NetApp-Endura for the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen

Jan Barta, Daniel Schorn, Andreas Schllinger, Ralf Matzka, Michael Schwarzmann, Blaz Jarc, Scott Thwaites, and Erick Rowsell