IAM have announced their line-up for Bretagne Classic Ouest France.
In years past, the Bretagne Classic Ouest France, formerly known as the Grand Prix de Plouay, has always been raced over a demanding circuit, though this year it has received a facelift. Now the peloton will cover 235 kilometers when they will cross the finish line for the first time before heading out on one final 13.9 kilometer circuit.
“Everyone will be more wary with this new course,” directeur sportif Thierry Marichal admitted. “This will be the great unknown of this 80th edition. But from experience, I think this new route will be more conducive to a sprint finish.”
“We have two riders, Sondre Holst Enger and Heinrich Haussler, who will be able to do well on this course. But between doing well and winning, there is a gap. And our task is to plug that gap,” Marichal explained. “Apart from our two sprinters, we have other riders with strengths to be harnessed. It will consequently be important to make use of all our cards.”
“I like the second part of the season. For me, this time of year is highlighted by four races: the Hamburg Classic, Plouay, and then the Grand Prix of Quebec and Montreal. These are all races that are well suited to me and that are tailored for puncheurs-sprinters like me. Since I punctured in the final of Hamburg, I was not able to help me leaders the way I wanted. I hope things go better for me on Sunday. And why not try something on that last climb?” David Tanner said.
"In 2012, I attacked on the last climb,” Tanner remembered. “Unfortunately, I could not stay with Rui Costa and Edvald Boasson Hagen to the finish. I was caught a few kilometers from the line, while they were the two who stayed away to fight for the victory between them.”
"This is the Tour of Flanders in France," the Belgian Thierry Marichal commented. “In Bretagne, it is basically the world championships. It’s rare to find such local fervor and enthusiasm from the locals for a race.”
Line-up
Martin Elmiger (S)
Jonathan Fumeaux (S)
Heinrich Haussler (Aus)
Reto Hollenstein(S)
Sondre Holst Enger (Nor)
Oliver Naesen (Bel)
David Tanner (Aus)
Oliver Zaugg (S)
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