A busy period of racing continues for Team BikeExchange-Jayco this week, as the team heads to Belgium for the Egmont Cycling Race and Druivenkoers-Overijse on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
The 86th edition of Egmont will see the team field a strong line-up with plenty of firepower for the explosive and attacking race, with Dylan Groenewegen and Luka Mezgec leading the way, and with support from Amund Grøndahl Jansen, Alex Konychev, Jack Bauer and Campbell Stewart.
The following day, the team will tackle Druivenkoers, where a more demanding parcours in terms of climbing awaits them.
Dion Smith and Matteo Sobrero will join up with the team, replacing Groenewegen and Grøndahl Jansen as Mezgec steps into the leader’s role, but with options for others to take any opportunities that arise.
New signing Elmar Reinders will make his debut in Team BikeExchange-Jayco colours, as the Dutchman takes to the start line for both races having recently signed for the Australian team.
Team BikeExchange-Jayco Line-Up:
Jack Bauer (NZL)
Dylan Groenewegen (NED) – Egmont only
Amund Grøndahl Jansen (NOR) – Egmont only
Alexander Konychev (ITA)
Luka Mezgec (SLO)
Elmar Reinders (NED)
Dion Smith (NZL) – Druivenkoers only
Matteo Sobrero (ITA) – Druivenkoers only
Campbell Stewart (NZL)
Luka Mezgec
“I recovered well after the Tour de France and in the last few races – the European Championships, and Hamburg last Sunday – I showed good condition, finishing with the best group.
I’ve never done these two races but, in my experience, racing in Belgium is always hard. Based on what I’ve been looking at, Tuesday (Egmont) can be a potential sprint for Dylan, and for Wednesday (Druivenkoers) I’m expecting a more selective race, where I also hope to be in the front.”
David McPartland – Sport Director
“These are two classic Flemish races: narrow roads, short but steep climbs and cobbles. I don’t expect a big, bunch sprint finish, and of the two races I think Druivenkoers is more selective with more Muur than Egmont. We have a strong and suitable team for these types of routes.
It will be important to approach the race in an aggressive way, always trying to stay in the front positions within the peloton. Dylan Groenewegen and Luka Mezgec will be our two leaders, but others will also be able to take advantage of any opportunities.
Our new rider Elmar Reinders will be at the start on both Tuesday and Wednesday. He is an experienced rider and it will be interesting to see him compete on the typical Flemish roads.”
2022 Egmont Cycling Race, Race Details:
Tuesday, 23rd August: Zottegem – Zottegem, 198km
2022 Druivenkoers-Overijse, Race Details:
Wednesday, 24th August: Overijse – Overijse, 196km
Photo: Getty Images
