Gerald Ciolek (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Milan-San Remo winner Gerald Ciolek will lead MTN-Qhubeka in the 34th edition of the International Bayern Rundfahrt from May 22 to 26.
The race has attracted some of the world’s best riders and the team has selected an experienced squad to support the German sprinter.
“Bayern Rundfahrt is a very, very important race for us,” said sports director Jens Zemke, who won three stages in the race as a rider.
One of them coming in Sankt Englmar, which this year is the highest point in the race. Ciolek is the most recent stage winner in Sankt Englmar after he won a spectacular sprint in 2008.
“We are looking good for all the scenarios of the race,” said Zemke.
“Ignatas Konovalovas is our top man for time trials and with Sergio Pardilla we have a first-class climber on the team.”
In addition to Konovalovas, who has won a Giro d’Italia time trial, and Pardilla, the team will send German’s Martin Reimer and Andreas Stauff.
South African champion Jay Thomson and Meron Russom will also strengthen the team.
Nine WorldTour teams will start the event.
The 34th Bayern Rundfahrt runs over five stages and 755km from the Hallertau over the Bavarian forest to Nürnberg.
Race information on www.bayern-rundfahrt.com.
