After a spectacular performance in the first cycling monument of the season, Milano Sanremo, where he picked up second place, Australian all-rounder Michael Matthews will lead Team Jayco AlUla into the second monument of the season, the Tour of Flanders on Sunday, 31st March.
With a stacked start list, the squad knows it isn’t going to be an easy task but head in to the one-day iconic classic with confidence, with Matthews bringing good legs to go all-in.
With a squad that has enjoyed the past few weeks working together throughout the various cobbled classics races, it’s a well gelled formation consisting of Australian duo Kelland O’Brien and Luke Durbridge, tactful lead-out men Luka Mezgec and Elmar Reinders, plus two powerhouses in the shape of Amund Grøndahl Jansen and Max Walscheid.
This year’s edition will begin in Antwerp and cover a staggering 270.8km, taking in the Oude-Kwaremont and Paterberg once again, often serving as the final decisive section of the gruelling spectacular race.
Team Jayco AlUla line-up:
Luke Durbridge
Amund Grøndahl Jansen
Michael Matthews
Luka Mezgec
Kelland O’Brien
Elmar Reinders
Max Walscheid
Michael Matthews
“It’s been fun here in Belgium these past weeks during the classics. The racing is so tough, but the team is feeling good and ready for Sunday. My shape is good, we just need some luck at the weekend and hopefully everything will fall into place to challenge for a result. After MSR I have been feeling good, and it would be incredible and special if I could back that up with another Monument podium placing at the Tour of Flanders. We know it won’t be easy but we’re ready to fight for it.”
Mathew Hayman – Sport Director
“We’re coming towards the end of the cobble classics with the big one, Flanders on Sunday. The guys have been riding well together, we’ve had some top-10s here and we know that Flanders will be really tough, but we’re going into the race with a health team and with Matthews motivated and in good condition.
We’ve learnt a lot throughout the past weeks racing here, everyone is fit and it’s all about putting it together and executing the plan well on Sunday. We will need a bit of luck. Then in the end, in the final, the legs will do the talking.”
Photo: Kramon
