After his horrific crash in the 2013 Vuelta a Espana that threatened to bring his career to a premature end, Kevin De Weert is back in competitive action in today's Handzame Classic. The Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider expects to suffer but will do hi best to set up a sprint win for teammate Andrew Fenn.
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will participate in the Handzame Classic, a one-day race that takes place on Friday, March 20th. OPQS is also happy to announce that Kevin De Weert will return to competition for the first time since his crash during the la Vuelta a Espana Stage 11 time trial in 2013.
It's been a long road back to racing for the Belgian, but he is ready.
"I am really happy to return and be a part of the team," De Weert said. "When you stay with your team and you train, it is not the same as racing with them. I am excited, and curious, as if it was my first day at school.
"Of course I will be there to help my teammates. For sure it will be a nice moment when I attach the number to my jersey again. I will suffer for sure, but I think my joy of the comeback will overpower the suffering.
"I worked really hard after the crash to come back. I am ready now to be there and race in OPQS colors again. I don't know what I can expect for tomorrow, but I will try to finish in the bunch to be useful for my team. To breathe again the atmosphere of a cycling race will be fantastic!"
OPQS for Handzame Classic:
Kevin De Weert, Julian Alaphilippe, Petr Vakov, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, Nikolas Maes, and Andrew Fenn
20.04: EPZ Omloop van Borsele |
17.04 - 21.04: Tour de Tunisie |
18.04 - 21.04: Eroica Juniores |
19.04 - 21.04: EPZ Omloop van Borsele |
20.04 - 21.04: Gipuzkoa Klasika |
21.04: Liège-Bastogne-Liège |
21.04: Giro della Romagna |
21.04: Gent-Wevelgem U23 |
21.04: Gent-Wevelgem Junior |
21.04: Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes |
Daniele COLLI 42 years | today |
Strahinja MLADENOVIC 28 years | today |
Isabelle CARNES 20 years | today |
Karol WAWRZYNIAK 24 years | today |
Irena OSSOLA 36 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com