LottoNL-Jumbo rides in Putte-Kapellen, the last race of the year for the team. Traditionally, the Belgian race closes the cycling season, and this year, Sports Director Nico Verhoeven will field eight ready riders.
"The Sluitingskoers is always a special race," said Verhoeven. "A long time ago, we raced on local circuit. Now you have nine laps on a 22-kilometre closed parcours. It is a EuropeTour race and a good race to win. We expect it to be a bunch sprint. Tom Van Asbroeck lost by a millimetre last year, so it would be nice if he could take revenge this time."
On Saturday October 17, LottoNL-Jumbo celebrates fan day at Olympos in Utrecht -- the last team duty before 2016 preparations. Most riders will participate in a recreational ride, the 6e of Lotto, and then go on holiday.
“On Saturday we end the year with our fans. They can participate in various activities,” added Verhoeven.
"When you talk with supporters then you notice how great their experiences are. If you look at our season, the supporters enjoyed Kruijswijk in the Giro d'Italia and Gesink in the Tour, and also the results of Wilco Kelderman and Jos van Emden in the Eneco Tour left a mark. But in 2016, we have to win more races."
In last year’s Sluitingskoers, sprinter Van Asbroeck fell short of the win. This year, he returns with aspirations and good legs.
"Usually, it's a race for sprinters. Last year, I was beaten and now, I hope for more,” said Van Asbroeck.
"I still have great aspirations and good legs. I can use the speed of Paris-Tours in Putte-Kapellen. We have a motivated team, but you never know how a race will develop. We go there and make the best out of it."
Team line-up:
Koen Bouwman, Twan Castelijns, Mike Teunissen, Maarten Tjallingii, Timo Roosen, Maarten Wynants, Tom Van Asbroeck and Dennis van Winden.
Sara CASASOLA 25 years | today |
Malcolm LANGE 51 years | today |
Timo ALBIEZ 39 years | today |
Serge JOOS 40 years | today |
Jeroen KREGEL 39 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com