Reto Hollenstein into the unknown at Brussels Cycling Classic

Tom Boonen was the last winner of the Paris-Brussels.  The Omega Pharma-Quickstep winner of last year’s race, which actually will now run between Soissons, about 100 kilometers north-east of Paris, and the Belgian capital, will not have the chance to test himself against the shortened event; it has been newly reduced in distance to 200 kilometers according to UCI regulations.

However, Reto Hollenstein, who will head the IAM Cycling squad, is always keen and motivated.

“I have really no idea what this race will shape into.  Last year, I was in an escape with five or six riders and we spent the entire day at the pointy end of the race.  But at the final, the peloton came back very strong and there ended up being a mass sprint.  This time in any case, our team can have a plan for both instances: working for the breakaway and also the sprint.  Personally, I hope that I have recovered sufficiently after my efforts at the GP Ouest-France de Plouay so that I can fulfill my goals for this event.” 

Before the end of his season, marked by appointments with the Milan-Turin and the Tour of Lombardy, Hollenstein is satisfied with his performances this year.

“I have always felt strong with good sensations in the legs, even if I am perhaps missing a podium place in a race.  Luck has not always smiled on me in the breaks I have joined.  But for me, it was also very important and satisfying to be able to do good work for the team.  We managed to accomplish some great things thanks to our solidarity and collective spirit.”

Brussels Cycling Classic – the line up

Directeur Sportif  Eddy Seigneur

More info about the race  brusselscyclingclassic.be