Team Giant-Alpecin will line up this weekend for its first race of the season on French soil with the 16th edition of the one-day race Classic Sud Ardèche. This year, the Classic Sud Ardèche offers a different course in comparison to recent editions, including some tough climbs and technical descents overlooking the Rhône Valley. 

Coach Arthur van Dongen said: "We have selected an opportunistic team with an offensive focus here in France, which will be led by the experienced road captain Johannes [Fröhlinger]. It will be a tough race but I expect Tobias [Luvigsson] to play his part in the finale. Especially with Sindre [Lunke] and Sam [Oomen] we also have two talented climbers, with the potential to perform well in those kinds of races."

The second of the two races in France this weekend is La Drôme Classic. The race will be another one to suit the all-rounders, with a course very similar to the 'classic races', with roads exposed to crosswinds and short sharp climbs, including the famous 'Mur d'Alex'."

Coach Arthur van Dongen said looking ahead to the race: "For La Drôme Classic we continue with the objective of racing aggressively, but also to work on getting into the mindset and rhythm of racing as a team. Our strategy will be in accordance to Saturday's Classic Sud Ardèche as Tobias is normally capable of competing in the finale."

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Caleb Fairly (USA)
Johannes Fröhlinger (GER)
Cheng Ji (CHN)
Carter Jones (USA)
Fredrik Ludvigsson (SWE)
Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE)
Sindre Skjøstad Lunke (NOR)
Sam Oomen (NED)