ProTeam Lotto Soudal wants to leave mark on Tour of Flanders

On Sunday 3 April, the apotheosis of the Flemish cobbled Classics will take place.
Race 01 April 2022

On Sunday 3 April, the apotheosis of the Flemish cobbled Classics will take place between Antwerp and Oudenaarde in the 106th Tour of Flanders. After the start, the race will head for the Flemish Ardennes, where no fewer than 18 hills and seven cobbled sections await the riders. Also this year, legendary climbs like the Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg will once again act as the decisive factors in the over 270 kilometres long Ronde.

“How I would describe the Tour of Flanders? As a real holiday for the cycling fan. And also as a race which both riders and staff within the team are really looking forward to. But at the same time it is also a long and hard day with 270 kilometres of racing in which so much happens and everyone has their own story to tell”, says sports director Nikolas Maes.

Strong line-up without one clear leader

“With the selection we have on paper, we should be able to leave a mark on Sunday’s race. Maybe not immediately for the highest podium spot but our intention is obviously to play a role at the Ronde. Of course, the performance of Victor Campenaerts at Dwars door Vlaanderen gave us that extra boost. He will certainly try something again on Sunday. I also expect Tim Wellens to be up there, he needed Dwars door Vlaanderen to get back into race rhythm. We also expect something from our youngsters Florian Vermeersch and Brent Van Moer. And also Cedric Beullens has surprised us positively several times this spring season. With Sébastien Grignard and Roger Kluge – who replaces Frederik Frison after his collarbone fracture – we have two more riders who can contribute.”

A legendary duo of crucial climbs

“The course of the Ronde is a really honest one and it’s usually the best riders who automatically come out on top towards the end of the race. Where will the race be decided? In the past, the Hotond has proved to be crucial several times but now everyone knows it can happen there. For me, the Oude Kwaremont – Paterberg duo is one of the most crucial points of the Ronde and the Koppenberg usually also gives you already a good indication of who will be competing for the win.”

“Which result I’m happy with after the Ronde? We are talking about a cycling Monument of 270 kilometres so we need to be realistic. But as always, we go for the highest achievable result and try to surprise”, concludes the Lotto Soudal sports director.