Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s participation in the French stage race Haut Var ended abruptly Sunday morning when the team mechanics realized the theft of bikes and equipment worth approximately 300.000 Euros. In spite of a thorough social media campaign, the stolen goods are still missing. However, with an incredible amount of support and practical help from friends and sponsors, the Cult Energy riders will be ready to take part in Saturday’s first Belgian cobblestone semi-classic, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

The race is the cobblestone opener in Northern Europe and some of the big classic favorites use the race to test the legs and their opponents. On Saturday, the race organizers celebrate the 70th edition of the race which has been dominated by Belgian riders with 53 victories and among them are Nick Nuyens and Philippe Gilbert. Home turf favorite Tom Boonen still hasn’t won the race and he will be up against compatriot Gilbert, Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, former winner of the race Sep Vanmarcke and last year’s winner Ian Stannard.

About Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s chances in the race, DS Luke Roberts says:

“If you’re not targeting at least a top-10 position, you’re not really in the race and we have a few riders capable of finishing with the best. Russell Downing and Martin Mortensen have both trained hard over the winter and they know these races really well so I reckon they will have the best chances for a top position. However, the rest of the group still lack the race kilometers and the experience on the cobbles but they’re motivated and we want to take part of the development of the race to show we’re in there."

The line-up: 

Russell Downing, Michael Carbel, Alex Kirsch, Martin Mortensen, Michael Reihs, Mads Pedersen, Joel Zangerle and Troels Vinther.