Etixx - Quick-Step to GP Ouest France - Plouay

Etixx - Quick-Step has announced the selection that will participate in GP Ouest France - Plouay, a one-day race on Sunday, the 30th of August. The French race in Bretagne is known for its circuit format, with the 229.1km 2015 edition including 8 laps of a 26.9km circuit, and then a finishing circuit of 13.9 kilometers. Both circuits feature two main climbs: Cote du Lezot, which is a little more than a kilometer in length, with some ramps at 7 percent. There is also Cote de Ty Merrec, which slightly less than a kilometer in distance, with ramps of 10% gradient.

GP Ouest France - Plouay is an aggressive race, with plenty of opportunities to attack and the chance for a breakaway to hold off teams who are fighting for a bunch arrival. The race has been known for many French victors in past editions.

Riders selection for Etixx - Quick-Step include French rider Julian Alaphilippe, Tom Boonen, Yves Lampaert, Tony Martin, Fabio Sabatini, Matteo Trentin, Stijn Vandenbergh, and Julien Vermote. Tony Martin takes the start just two days after winning the Tour du Poitou Charentes overall, and Matteo Trentin will participate after winning two stages of Tour du Poitou Charentes. Boonen will be racing GP Ouest France - Plouay for the first time in his career.

"It will be my first time in Plouay," Martin said. "I'm really looking forward to this race. This year I'm discovering a lot of races that I never rode before. It's a nice race program. Concerning the race on Sunday, I will see what I can do. I worked really hard at Poitou Charantes, so I hope to recover fast before Sunday. In any case I will be there to give my contribution to the team that is really strong. "

"Last year this race was an important moment in my season," Alaphilippe said. "I finished 5th and I have great memories. This year I will try to do my best to be a protagonist again. The circuit is the same of last year and I like it. The team is strong, and we can also count on the sprint of guys like Tom and Matteo. We are ready to play a role in the race."