The cycling season is near to its end, which means that the riders in the peloton sense the urgency to optimize every opportunity to grab a victory, so needed and deserved, before the off-season hits. For these riders, early autumn and final races do not make for an easy day out on the bike or pleasure parties. 

The Binche-Chimay-Binche, which will be raced on Tuesday, October 6th, is a case in point. From the start at the Grand Place, or Great Square, in Binche, the riders will be facing the types of challenges that are so special to Belgian racing: sections of cobbles, sharp climbs, and as a sort of appetizer the petit Poggio.

Nevertheless, this race with a copious number of difficulties, does not dampen the spirits or enthusiasm of IAM Cycling’s Aleksejs Saramotins. He has already proved his facility on the cobbles by emerging first rider out of the Arenberg Forest in this year’s Paris-Roubaix, where he ended up taking 13th place in the velodrome. Not surprisingly, Saramotins hopes to find similar success in this Belgian event. 

“I have participated in this race once before, and from what I’ve seen, I can certainly say that it is worthy of being a true classic,” Saramotins, who is the Latvian road race champion, explained. “Since the course is so hilly, you always have to be switched-on and engaged. It is important to be careful, alert, and always well placed because even if some sections aren’t quite as full of climbs, there are still cobbles to face.”

This is an event that is very open, and many different riders could potentially find success. 

“As far as I’m concerned, there is not a standard type of rider who is certain to win,” Saramotins continued.  “Last year, Stybar won it, but in previous editions, we have seen sprinters take the victory. For example, if a strong attack happens in the last kilometers, I am convinced that it could go all the way and surprise the peloton.

"For my part, I will work for the team in the same way I always do. We want to ride together, as a strong group, and have a good race. We have several cards to play in case the race ends with a mass sprint. However, I won’t hide the fact that if I have an opportunity to go for the victory, I will take it. I love this particular race, and if I can slip into the right attack, I will be very happy.”

IAM selection for Binche-Chimay-Binche:

Marcel Aregger, Thomas Degand, Dries Devenyns, Sondre Holst Enger, Simon Pellaud, Vicente Reynes, Aleksejs Saramotins and Jonas Van Genechten.