Omega Pharma - Quick Step Cycling Team has officially announced the squad that will be participating in the Tour de Wallonie, a 936.8km stage race from July 20th to July 24th.
Rik Van Slycke will be directing the formation during the race.
"Traditionally the Tour de Wallonie is quite a challenging race on routes that are always hilly," Van Slycke said. "Also, the weather forecast calls for a heat wave over the weekend that is going to make the race even more difficult. The first stage (Ans-Eupen) could already define the classification with a route that is very similar to the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and a final stretch featuring climbs like the Stockeu and the Haute Levee. The third stage will be important for the general classification as well, with riders taking on the Mur de Saint-Roch in the final."
"However, our squad is equipped and ready for the race," Van Slycke continued. "The guys are fresh off high altitude training camp in the Alps. Riders like Kristof Vandewalle and Dries Devenyns will get the chance to display their talents on routes adapted to their skills. Tom Boonen also worked out at high altitudes. The Tour de Wallonie will be an important step towards races coming up in the month of August. Stijn Vandenbergh will be back in the race for his first official competition after overcoming some problems with his knee. We have everything we need to figure as major players in the race."