Team News: Van Avermaet for Tour de Yorkshire

Classics star and former winner of Paris Roubiax, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) will return to the Tour de Yorkshire next week

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Team News: Van Avermaet for Tour de Yorkshire

Greg Van Avermaet will return to the start line at the Tour de Yorkshire next week (3 – 6 May) as part of BMC Racing Team’s six-rider roster.

BMC Racing Team will head into stage 1 with both Greg Van Avermaet and Brent Bookwalter as protected riders, Sports Director Klaas Lodewyck said.

“Looking at the race, I think we have two riders, Greg Van Avermaet and Brent Bookwalter, who can both play a role in the General Classification battle. The first day should end in a bunch sprint so we will see how the guys feel there and then stage 2 has a finish that should suit Greg. I think it will be important for us to see what the situation is like after the second day of racing and then we can look to play different options.”
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“For sure, Brent, who finished fourth here last year, can also make a good GC result on the tough parcours. We are starting with six riders so it will not be easy for us. We will have to play it very smart every day and watch every move,” Lodewyck explained. … continued after advert

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The now four-day stage race will mark Van Avermaet’s return to racing after his Classics campaign.

“After a small break, it’s good to be getting back into the swing of racing and the Tour de Yorkshire is a cool race. I’m looking forward to racing on this year’s parcours and especially experiencing the great atmosphere around the roads once again,” Van Avermaet said.

Bookwalter is motivated about heading back to the Tour de Yorkshire. “I’ve been looking forward to the Tour de Yorkshire all spring. After a strong debut at the race last year and enjoying the awesome enthusiasm and hospitality of the fans in the area, Yorkshire quickly became one of my favorite races.”

“It comes after quite a long period away from stage racing in which I’ve done a block of training at altitude. This race will quickly lead into the AMGEN Tour of California where I’m hoping to be in peak shape so it should be a great way to polish my condition. Whether it’s supporting the team or trying to improve on my fourth place overall from 2017, I’m ready to give it my all,” Bookwalter added.

Tour de Yorkshire (3 – 6 May)

Rider Roster: Patrick Bevin (NZL), Tom Bohli (SUI), Brent Bookwalter (USA), Greg Van Avermaet (BEL), Nathan Van Hooydonck (BEL), Danilo Wyss (SUI)

Sports Directors: Klaas Lodewyck (BEL), Allan Peiper (AUS)

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