ORICA-GreenEDGE is looking ahead to tomorrow’s Gent – Wevelgem with confidence after a solid team performance at yesterday’s E3 Harelbeke.

Gent – Wevelgem is the last of three one-day Belgian races this week at which the Australian outfit has showed significant improvement throughout.

One change will be made to the eight-man line up that saw Jens Keukeleire sprint to ninth position at E3 Harelbeke yesterday, with 2014 Australian time trial champion Michael Hepburn replaced with Danish neo-pro Magnus Cort.

“After yesterday’s performance we are looking forward to Gent – Wevelgem with a good feeling,” sport director Laurenzo Lapage said.

“On Sunday the weather will be different, there will be rain and wind, so teamwork will be even more important than yesterday.”

On the improve from an interrupted early season, Keukeleire will again be targeting a top finish along with road captain Mathew Hayman, who made a significant contribution when added into the E3 Harelbeke line up.

“After their performances at E3 Harelbeke, we will again ride for Jens Keuekeleire and Mathew Hayman,” Lapage confirmed.

Having received praise for their contributions yesterday, 2014 RideLondon Classic winner Adam Blythe and multiple track world champion Leigh Howard will again play crucial support roles, particularly early in the 239km race.

The Gent – Wevelgem features nine climbs but a flatter finishing terrain means it’s made for the strong sprinters. With weather predicted to have a major effect on the day’s proceedings, it is likely to produce a reduced bunch kick finale.

ORICA-GreenEDGE at Gent - Wevelgem (Sunday 29 March):

Adam Blythe
Magnus Cort
Mitch Docker
Luke Durbridge
Mathew Hayman
Leigh Howard
Jens Keukeleire
Jens Mouris