It has been confirmed that Garmin-Sharp aim to significantly improve on their results in cobbled classics as Sebastian Langeveld was brought on to the team for 2014 season, to form a formidable trio alongside Johan Vansummeren and Nick Nuyens. The latter has recently claimed to regain his self-assurance and motivation after a highly disappointing last two years, but the unexpected health problems spoiled performances of the former Ronde van Vlaanderen champion in the opening weekend of the Flemish classics’ season.

The 33-year old Belgian, like many other riders including the hottest name on the favorites’ list to succeed in the cobbled majors this season in the person of Tom Boonen, badly suffered from cold on Saturday and crossed the finish line as 62nd when Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, won by Nuyens back in 2005, came to its conclusion.

“On Saturday I suffered from cold,” Nuyens confirmed for Sporza.

Even though the weather conditions were more favorable on Sunday, the Garmin-Sharp classics specialist was forced to abandon Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne due to reported teeth problems, particularly inflamed gums.

“On Sunday it didn’t turn out as expected most likely because of my teeth. It is known that teeth problems can affect your performance, I had inflamed gums.”

“Obviously this is not fun but I knew it could happen. I didn’t expect myself to be able to fight for the victory yet. I’m just happy to work and follow my program,” Nuyens concluded.