Team Giant-Alpecin will ride in this Saturday’s 95th edition of the Brussels Cycling Classic, the race formerly known as Paris-Bruxelles. The course of the 200.8km one-day race with several hills is slightly different from previous years, as the finish has been brought back to the Houba de Strooperlaan, where the event last finished in 2012. The race is likely to end in a bunch sprint, as has been the case in the last six editions.
 
Having taken second place with John Degenkolb (GER) in 2013, the team aims for a strong result on Saturday. Marcel Kittel (GER), winner of the points jersey and the opening stage of the Tour de Pologne, will lead the team. Strong lead-out men to help Kittel are Roy Curvers (NED), who sprinted to 12th at GP Plouay yesterday, as well as Bert De Backer (BEL) and the young Max Walscheid (GER), who primarily comes to Brussels to learn. Walscheid will start his second race in the Team Giant-Alpecin jersey, following his debut at the Arctic Tour of Norway. The roster is completed by Warren Barguil (FRA), Caleb Fairly (USA), Cheng Ji (CHN) and Carter Jones (USA).
 
“Our main goal will be to sprint with Marcel in Brussels, as we are bringing a strong team with a lot of lead-out experience to Saturday’s race,” said coach Rudi Kemna.
 
“Depending on the situation and the development of the race, we have Warren to join possible attacks in the finale. For Max it will be a new experience, and his main goal is to learn. If he is able to play a role in the finale it will be purely a bonus, as there will be no pressure on him.”