The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM hopes to top the strong Belgian Classic campaign off with a good result in Paris-Roubaix. After top finishes by Sep Vanmarcke in the Tour of Flanders, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, E3-Harelbeke and Gent Wevelgem, the team hopes to triumph in the Hell of the North. 

“With Sep’s recent results and his second place in last year’s edition in mind, we’ll definitely aim for a victory,” says Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. 

“We’ll start with a team that has worked together this whole year and raced together last year. It was a long term process and you see that everything falls into place now. In all classics until now, we have been able to fight for the win. That gives us a lot of morale.” 

Verhoeven trusts his leaders Lars Boom and Sep Vanmarcke. “Sep has proven that he’s really strong at the moment. As for Lars, we will have to wait and see how things pan out. In Flanders, he looked good, but because of bad luck, he wasn’t able to ride the race he wanted.” 

 

Vanmarcke, second in 2013, is eager to bag a big result on Sunday. “After last year, I know I can handle the final. That gives me a lot of confidence. Besides, I’m a lot stronger now. To finish second is never fun, though, and last Sunday, Fabian beat me again. Hopefully I can defeat him this time. I recovered well after Flanders. My neck is still a bit painful, but I don’t expect any problems.” 

On the French cobbles, Vanmarcke will ride Bianchi’s Infinito CV. The Belgian feels at ease on the bike. “I’ve been riding the Infinito since the beginning of the season, especially for the classics. I feel very comfortable on the bike.” 

 

Lars Boom run-up to Paris-Roubaix has been rough. The Dutchman is trying to not get distracted by it too much. “Of course, it sucks that I’m not having an ideal preparation but I must not dwell on it too long. On Sunday, I will try to go all out and ride the final with Sep.” 

 

With Maarten Tjallingii and Maarten Wynants the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM fields two other riders who have proven themselves in Paris-Roubaix in the past. Tjallingii was third in 2011, while in 2012 his Belgian team-mate ended up tenth. Tjallingii dreams of success in the velodrome of the French industrial city. 

“When I think of Paris-Roubaix, I think of a lot of cobblestones, a big crowd, great action, a beautiful race and a fantastic arrival. It’s really my race. I would love to hold that stone trophy,” Tjallingii said. 

“Sep is really good and needs to be protected. That creates opportunities for others, as well, as everyone will be looking at Sep. That was the key to my third place in 2011, so something like that can happen again on Sunday. 

“During Milano-Sanremo, I was in a leading position up to nine kilometres from the line. Roubaix suits me even better and hopefully I can hold on a little longer on Sunday. My recent form gives me a lot of confidence.” 

Wynants agrees with Tjallingii. “We hope to win with Sep. I’ll see how far I can get myself. If you work for someone else, it can be an advantage for yourself as well.” 

 

Lars Boom, Jos van Emden, Tom Leezer, Bram Tankink, Maarten Tjallingii, Sep Vanmarcke, Robert Wagner and Maarten Wynants.