MTN-Qhubeka hope to continue their recent successful run with Gerald Ciolek in Andalusia and Merhawi Kudus in Langkawi when they line up in today's GP Lugano. Spanish climber Sergio Pardilla leads a roster that also includes new signing Linus Gerdemann.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will be in action at the 68th GP Citta di Lugano today. The Swiss race was cancelled last year due to heavy snowfall but this year the weather seems to be playing along nicely and so an exciting race is on the cards.

The one day race will be run over 169km and has always seen a select group of riders come to the finish due to the undulating course. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung have sent a team of riders well suited to the parcours and ready to ride for a top result.

On form climber, Sergio Pardilla will lead Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung at the UCI 1.1 race and he will be supported by Dennis van Niekerk, Songezo Jim, Adrien Niyonshuti, Linus Gerdemann and the trio of Eritreans, Daniel Teklehaimanot, Meron Russom and Jani Tewelde.

Speaking earlier in the week, Songezo Jim was a bit unsure of what to expect at the Swiss race but was keen to be racing again.

“Everything has been going well the last few days, the weather has not been at its best but it’s been okay. I don’t have much detailed information about the route yet but I know it is a bit hilly and with Sergio in pretty good form we will surely ride for him,” said Jim.

The GP Citta di Lugano will see Lampre rider Diego Ulissi start as the overwhelming favourite while Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani) and Michael Albasini (GreenEdge) have also been tipped as favourites for the victory.

GP Citta di Lugano (Switzerland) – (1 March/UCI1.1)

Sergio Pardilla (ESP)
Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI)
Jani Tewelde (ERI)
Meron Russom (ERI)
Dennis van Niekerk (RSA)
Songezo Jim (RSA)
Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA)
Linus Gerdemann (GER)