On January 14th 2015 Etixx - Quick-Step will introduce itself to their sponsors and fans in a truly unique event to be held on the track named after Belgian Cycling Legend Eddy Merckx at the Vlaams Wielercentrum in Gent (Belgium).

The event will start at 7:30 p.m. and will last well into the evening, during which athletes from Etixx - Quick-Step cycling team will challenge one another in some track specialties. 

All the athletes on the team — except those participating in the Tour Down Under — will be attending this event, which promises to be brilliant and is not to be missed. 

“This presentation is becoming a tradition on our team," Tom Boonen said. "Our fans and our sponsors really appreciate it, but we as a team also enjoy it a lot. On this track we also train a lot during the winter, so after a few years coming here we are more comfortable with it. It’s really fun and we can enjoy the time. Last year I was also surprised by the crowd. It was unbelievable how our guests supported and participated in the event. That is something that makes our team unique : The passion and competence of the people who participate in this event is incredible and says a lot about how important this is to the public.”

The team has also a few specialists on the track, such as Mark Cavendish, Iljo Keisse, and Niki Terpstra.

“I think with Etixx – Quick-Step and its heritage as a Belgian team, it’s always been about focusing on the bike racing,” Cavendish said. “I think it shows in having a team presentation on the track involving racing, where the fans, sponsors, and their clients in attendance can see the riders not just on the stage, but doing what they love to see, which is riders racing bicycles.”

“It will be fun as usual,” Keisse said. "We will try to make a few wheelies for the public (smiles). For me it’s also very nice because in a certain way it’s like riding at home. For me it’s a nice event to launch a season that promises to be very eventful and important for the team.”

“I love racing on the track,” Terpstra said. “Just before this event I will participate with Iljo at Six Days of Rotterdam, which we won in 2014. We will try to win it again and maybe celebrate the victory with our fans at the team presentation.”

Between one race and the next, guests will also be able to enjoy some entertaining shows which are sure to rouse the entire crowd. 

Etixx - Quick-Step has always been dedicated to their fan base, and they will give their supporters the chance to attend the event by reserving 500 seats in the grandstand just for them. Tickets are already available on the team’s website: http://omegapharma-quickstep.com/teampresentation

The event will wrap up with an after party featuring live music provided by DJ Tom.

“This is an important moment that the team enjoys a lot, but also our sponsors and their guests,” Lefevere said. “It’s like a PR showcase for our sponsors, a unique possibility for their clients to see and touch our riders that will race all over the world during the season. This is a special opportunity for our fans too, because we love having them close to us on the Tribune. They are also a key part of cycling and this is basically our version of ‘fan appreciation night’.”