The Wolfpack is back at the start of the race where we claimed two stages last season.
Mark Cavendish will make his first Italian outing in almost two years at next week’s Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, where he is lining out after some solid racing on Belgian soil earlier this week. Mauri Vansevenant, who at the beginning of March powered to his first pro victory after outsprinting a select group in GP Industria & Artigianato, will also be back in action at the race where just a few months ago he contributed to a spectacular Wolfpack team time trial victory.
Last year’s New Zealand National Champion Shane Archbold, US National ITT Champion Ian Garrison and Mikkel Honoré – who last season wore the leader’s jersey here for a day – will round out Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s squad for the race taking place between 23-27 March.
Comprising two half-stages (scheduled on the opening day, in Gatteo) and four stages, this year’s course doesn’t bring any significant changes from what we’ve seen in recent years. A team time trial, two uphill finishes, two opportunities for the sprinters and one demanding hilly circuit around Forli on the final day will all be on the menu of the 35th Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali.
“We had a great time last year at this beautiful race, winning two stages and placing two riders on the final podium after a spectacular week of racing, so we’re happy to be back here with this nice squad. The guys have shown a good condition since the start of the season, they are all motivated and we are confident we can score again some nice results”, said Deceuninck – Quick-Step sports director Davide Bramati.
Mauri Vansevenant