Young sprinter Kristian Sbaragli will lead MTN-Qhubeka in the RideLondon Classic which takes place tomorrow. The Italian will share sprinting duties with Youcef Reguigui in the prestigious one-day race.
The Prudential RideLondon Classic takes place tomorrow, Sunday 10 August and Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will once again show its colours after debuting in the race last year. This will be the 3rd edition of the race after being launched in 2011 as a test event before the 2012 Olympic Games road race. Carrying a UCI ranking of 1.HC, the RideLondon Classic has attracted a star studded field with former World and Tour de France champions set to start the 193km British race tomorrow.
The route takes in the majority of the 2012 Olympic route, with the main features of the parcours coming in the form of the surrounding hills of Surrey once again. Leith Hill, the Denbies climb and Box Hill will be the place where the non sprint teams will hope to split the race up. As we have seen in previous years though, the finish seems to be just too far from the final climb up Box Hill to eliminate all the sprinters from contention.
Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung will have an exciting team on the start line that could definitely challenge for the victory. Kristian Sbaragli and Youcef Reguigui are two young men that have shown they have some real speed for the sprint while still being able to climb better than most of your pure sprinters. Supporting our young sprinters will be Adrien Niyonshuti, Tsgabu Grmay, Songezo Jim and Nicolas Dougall.
"I have only had 1 day at home after coming home from our altitude training camp but I am still feeling quite good," Sbaragli said. "The feedback I got of my form from the last 2 races was good for me. I think that if I feel the same sensations as i did last week then I can definitely be part of the action tomorrow.
"I am really motivated at the moment and I believe I can do well. Yes, our preparation hasn’t been aimed at the London Classic, more for next week and the Vuelta but we still race for a result tomorrow.
"Youcef and I really work well together and that could be important in this race and for the sprint. It is good for the team because if I am not 100% I can work for him and vica versa."
Prudential RideLondon Classic (England) – (10 August/UCI 1.HC) Team Lineup
Kristian Sbaragli (ITA)
Youcef Reguigui (ALG)
Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA)
Tsgabu Grmay (ETH)
Songezo Jim (RSA)
Nicolas Dougall (RSA)
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