Etixx - Quick-Step to De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne

Etixx - Quick-Step to De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne

Etixx - Quick-Step has announced the selection that will participate in De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne, a 205.4km one-day race on Wednesday, April 15th. Brabantse Pijl is a race held between the Cobbled Classics and the Ardennes Classics, with some characteristics of both. There are 26 total short, but punchy climbs in the race, as well as some cobbled sections. The key part of the parcours is a three-lap circuit of 23.4 kilometers each lap. The peloton has to ascend five climbs each lap, and one of them includes cobbles. The climbs include the Hagaard, Hertstraat, Holstheide, Ijskelderlaan, and the Schavei. Shavei starts just 1.2km from the finish line and ends just before a turn into the last 200 meters, which are slightly uphill.

"Unfortunately due to a few injured riders, and the withdrawing of Michal Golas as a precautionary measure ahead of Amstel Gold Race due to a sore throat last night, we are at the start with six riders," Sport Director Rik Van Slycke said. "But we will still be there with a good team able to do well at this race. Gianni Meersman will play the role of road captain due to his experience, and also because the parcours suits him. This is also a good possibility for riders coming to this race from Catalunya and Pais Vasco, who showed good condition, like Julian Alaphilippe, Petr Vakoc, and Julien Vermote who was our top finisher in 8th place for the 2014 edition. These riders will try to get their chance in a parcours where condition, with the legs for these short but steep climbs, is very important."