Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

BMC Racing Team Has Options For Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: News 2010

Published on Thursday, 25 February 2010 15:35

Written by Marcella Crisanti

In Marcus Burghardt, Alessandro Ballan, George Hincapie and Karsten Kroon, the BMC Racing Team has four legitimate contenders for Saturday's 65th edition of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Ballan, Burghardt On Form

BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Sportif Fabio Baldato said Ballan, the 2008 world champion, and Burghardt, who finished fifth in the Belgian semi-classic a year ago, bring solid form into the 127-mile (204 km) race. "In the last two weeks, I watched them at the Tours of Qatar and Oman so I know they're good and can do a good race." Baldato said. Hincapie's veteran leadership will also be integral to the team's success. "George has the experience, a good vision of the race and he has always done well on these routes," Baldato said.

Hincapie Fighting A Cold

Hincapie said he is excited to start his European campaign in Belgium, though it has been a few years since he has competed in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Sunday's Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. "They are great preparation for the classics," the U.S. national road champion said. "I have had a little bit of a cold this week, but am hoping to be better by the weekend." The BMC Racing Team will field the same line-up for the 120-mile (194 km) Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, with the exception of Chad Beyer, who replaces Ballan on Sunday.

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Roster:

Alessandro Ballan (ITA), Marcus Burghardt (GER), George Hincapie (USA), Martin Kohler (SUI), Karsten Kroon (NED), John Murphy (USA), Michael Schär (SUI) and Danilo Wyss (SUI).

Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne Roster:

Chad Beyer (USA), Marcus Burghardt (GER), George Hincapie (USA), Michael Schär (SUI), John Murphy (USA), Danilo Wyss (SUI), Karsten Kroon (NED) and Martin Kohler (SUI).

Sport Director:

Fabio Baldato (ITA)

Staff:

Mechanics: Andy Stone (USA), Nick Vandecauter (BEL). Soigneurs: Eddy De Groote (BEL), Chris De Vos (BEL), Jeremiah Ranegar (USA), Freddy Viaene (BEL). Bus Driver: Francis Bur (FRA).