Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has officially announced the squad that will participate in Thursday's Ster ZLM Toer.
"As always the race will be very tense and spectacular," said sport director Wilfried Peeters, who will lead the team. "Without a time trial the race will be wide open for all 4 days and will be great preparation for the National Championships next week. As for our goals, we're going to try to win a stage. On the squad we have a young sprinter, Andy Fenn. Although the competition will be very close we're going to try to put him in the best possible position to go for a good sprint. We're also going to try to take advantage of Nikolas Maes and Marco Bandiera's form after the Giro d'Italia in the hillier stages."
The race will also mark a return to racing for Kristof Vandewalle, who will open the second part of his season at the Ster ZLM Toer.
"I feel good. I've finally resolved a few minor problems tied to a food intolerance that influenced the first part of my season. After the Romandie I worked very hard. I still haven't found my racing rhythm but I hope I can start doing well as soon as this race, perhaps in support of my teammates."
To find out the complete rider selection, please click on the "more information" button below.