ProTeam John Degenkolb ready for home race Eschborn-Frankfurt

Exactly one week before the battle for the rainbow jersey takes place in Flanders, Lotto Soudal travels to Germany for the 60^th edition of Eschborn-Frankfurt, an over 180 kilometres long race which, in the past, has often been kind to the sprinters. Lotto Soudal lines up with a strong team including John Degenkolb, Philippe Gilbert, Andreas Kron and Tim Wellens. Also Matthew Holmes, Sylvain Moniquet and Maxim Van Gils will be present. For John Degenkolb, ‘der Radklassiker’ is a race on home soil. In the past, the German could step onto the podium no less than four times, in 2011 he reached the top step. This year, ‘Dege’ is eager to set another great result.

“Obviously, Eschborn-Frankfurt is very close to my heart as it is of course my home race but it was also one of my first victories as a professional bike rider”, says John Degenkolb. “I could throw my hands in the air at the end of the 50^th edition in 2011, the year I turned pro. Since then, ten beautiful years have passed and every year, I aspired to be on the top step. I obtained quite some podium spots, often behind Alexander Kristoff, who won the race four times.”

“The 60^th edition of the race is just around the corner and the start list has never looked so impressive. It is a bunch full of quality, with many big names who want to test their legs one last time, a week before the road world championships in Flanders. That might also change the dynamics of the race, maybe we’ll get more offensive racing, which wouldn’t particularly favour my chances. Nevertheless, I feel good and ready for the big challenge. I can’t wait to get started in my home race!”

Line-up Lotto Soudal Eschborn-Frankfurt: John Degenkolb, Philippe Gilbert, Matthew Holmes, Andreas Kron, Sylvain Moniquet, Maxim Van Gils and Tim Wellens.