Team MTN-Qhubeka, from South Africa, will be on the starting line of the prestigious Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this weekend.
The race is the traditional opener of the Classics season and a big motivator for many of the world’s top teams.
“We’ve had a good recon on the circuit,” said directeur sportif Jenz Zemke after the team rode the race course on Wednesday.
“The sky was blue and we had cold winter temperatures but we could already feel the big interest in our team as we were followed by Belgium TV and some journalists.
“This will be the first Hors Categorie race for Team MTN-Qhubeka and we want to earn respect from the crowd. Our colours are new in the peloton and we want to show that we are going for good results.”
Gerald Ciolek will again captain the team after a successful Trofeo Laigueglia last weekend where the German finished fifth.
Former Giro d’Italia stage winner Ignatas Konovalovas will also be on hand to share his experience with the younger riders.
“I know that I need to race a lot to get good condition, so I’m still missing a lot, but after last week’s race I am very happy,” said Konovalovas.
“With a guy like Gerald I think our focus is clear for the race. It will be to help him the best we can.
“We’ve already ridden the race route and seen the different details of the race and we’re motivated.”
Line-up: Gerald Ciolek, Ferekalsi Debesay, Ignatas Konovalovas, Andreas Stauff, Martin Reimer, Youcef Reguigui, Kristian Sbaragli, Johann Van Zyl
