Barredo leads San Sebastian team without Chavanel
Team Quick Step is ready for its date with the Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian, always one of the great summer classics on the international calendar. Heading the team will be Spain’s Carlos Barredo, winner of the 2009 edition of this Basque classic, fresh off an excellent performance at the Grande Boucle, where success remained just beyond his reach when he got caught up with in the last kilometer of the Pyrenean stage arriving in Pau. By his side will be Jerome Pineau, who managed to wear the coveted polka-dot jersey for several days. Rounding out the formation are Belgians Kevin De Weert, 18th in the overall standings in the Tour 21’54” behind Alberto Contador, Dries Devenyns, Jurgen Van de Walle, Maarten Wynants and Italian Francesco Reda: all riders who stood out for their brilliance in the adventure at the Grande Boucle.
No Sylvain Chavanel
Unfortunately Sylvain Chavanel, who wore the yellow jersey for two days, winning two stages to become the most combative rider in the 2010 Tour, will not be able to participate. He’s being forced to sit this one out by an infection to one of the toenails on his right foot. “I’ve had this problem already since the last stages of the Tour" - explains Chavanel - "On Tuesday I rode in a Criterium, which is a short race that lasts about an hour, but the pain was too strong and the foot swelled up so at the moment it’s unthinkable that I can take part in a high level race like San Sebastian. The team and I have agreed that I shouldn’t participate in the Spanish classic so I don’t risk compromising the season finals.”
The French rider will observe a few days of rest before resuming training on Monday for his next agonistic event, the Tour du Limousin scheduled from August 17th to the 20th. Riding in his place at San Sebastian will be Italian Mauro Facci. Sports Directors Davide Bramati and Luca Guercilena will be leading the riders from the flagship vehicle during the race.
“There are many riders who are set on victory" - explains Davide Bramati - "However we’re lining up for the start with a very competitive and motivated squad. In addition to Barredo, who already won last year, we can also count on Pineau and other riders whose skills are perfectly adapted to the San Sebastian route and who are fresh off an excellent Tour de France. It’s too bad Chavanel will be absent, he could have been one of the favourites for this race and he’s always been an important rider in the economy of the squad. As far as the course, in the final the Alto de Jaizkibel and the Alto de Arkale can be very decisive, but as always we’ll have to be on the lookout for faraway breaks and pay close attention to the wind, which often influences the race.”
Line-up Clasica San Sebastian (31 July 2010)
Carlos Barredo
Jerome Pineau
Kevin De Weert
Dries Devenyns
Mauro Facci
Francesco Reda
Jurgen Van de Walle
Maarten Wynants
D.s: Davide Bramati & Luca Guercilena