News: British Team at De Brabantse Pijl

Brother UK – Tifosi and Anna Henderson looking forward to returning to Belgiam classic De Brabantse Pijl on April 17

News: British Teams at De Brabantse Pijl

On 17 April, the elite of women’s cycling will roll out from Gooik, Belgium, for the final spring classic of Flanders Classics, to battle for this year’s honours at De Brabantse Pijl. A total of 25 teams have their eyes set upon repeating the success of last year’s champion, Italian rider Marta Bastianelli.

“Marianne Vos attacked, and I followed her wheel. I looked around and there was no one behind us” – Anna Henderson

Comprising 19 UCI teams and six other international teams, the peloton is sure to create a competitive race once again, with the likes of Team Sunweb and CCC-Liv leading the charge. This year marks only the second edition of the elite women’s Brabantse Pijl, its previous incarnation as the Pajot Hills Classic running for only two editions before being renamed. The race itself serves as a springboard from the cobblestone classics to the hillier Ardennes races for many of the riders with ambitions of success this spring.

Alé Cipollini shall return to defend their title, won last year with experienced sprinter Marta Bastianelli, though competition is anticipated to be fierce as Team Sunweb look to go one better than the second place of Canadian Leah Kirchmann in 2018. Eyes shall also be upon the new CCC-Liv squad, having signed Dutch rider Marianne Vos this year, a previous winner of the original Pajot Hills Classic in 2016.
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British interest will be focused on Brother UK – Tifosi powered by OnForm who will be looking to improve on Anna Henderson’s 27th place last season. “’Racing Brabantse Pijl in 2018 was an unforgettable experience – a survival of the fittest. On the cobbled climbs, riders wheels were exploding, chains were dropping off, I was constantly weaving through seeing how far I could get. With 40km to go, Marianne Vos attacked, and I followed her wheel. I looked around and there was no one behind us. It was very special to help shape the race and I can’t wait to return and try to better my 2018 result.”

Belgium will be well represented on home soil at this year’s edition of De Brabantse Pijl too with the likes of Lotto Soudal, Doltcini – Van Eyck Sport and Health Mate – Ladies Team all confirmed.

The final list of riders is to be announced at a later date.

The 25 participating teams are as follows:
1. CCC-Liv (NED)
2. Team Sunweb (NED)
3. Valcar Cylance Cycling (ITA)
4. Parkhotel Valkenburg (NED)
5. Alé Cipollini (ITA)
6. Bigla Pro Cycling Team (DEN)
7. BTC City Ljubljana (SLO)
8. Astana Women’s Team (KAZ)
9. Lotto Soudal Ladies (BEL)
10. Doltcini – Van Eyck Sport UCI Women Cycling (BEL)
11. Aromitalia – Basso Bikes – Vaiano (ITA)
12. Health Mate – Ladies Team (BEL)
13. Servetto – Piumate – Beltrami TSA (ITA)
14. Bepink (ITA)
15. Eurotarget – Bianchi – Vittoria (ITA)
16. Charente – Maritime Women Cycling (FRA)
17. Biehler Pro Cycling (NED)
18. Top Girls Fassa Bortolo (ITA)
19. Sopela Women’s Team (SPA)
20. Andy Schleck Cycles – Immo Losch (LUX)
21. Rogelli (NED)
22. Brother UK – Tifosi powered by OnForm (GBR)
23. Isorex NoAqua Ladies Cycling Team (BEL)
24. Start Cycling Team (BRA)
25. MEXX-Watersley (NED)