87 September, 2017, Santa Rosa, California (USA)
Nicolas Roche and Dylan Teuns will lead BMC Racing Team at Giro dell’Emilia this Saturday, 30 September, backed by a strong team of climbing specialists.
Sports Director Fabio Baldato said the demanding course could see a number of situations play out.
“Giro dell’Emilia is a hard race, especially the finish on top of the Saint Luca climb. The peloton will do climb Saint Luca five times, including four times on the finish circuit. The first part of the race is not too hard with a couple of climbs to get over before they reach the circuit. I think it will be a good profile for Dylan Teuns and Nicolas Roche. Both riders are coming out of the UCI World Championships road race with good legs so they will be our protected riders,” Baldato explained.
“Of course, our Italian riders are always motivated on home soil and riders like Damiano Caruso, Alessandro De Marchi and Ben Hermans are in good condition, so we have multiple options for Saturday’s race. All of out riders will be motivated for a good result, especially as it’s a good race in the lead up to Il Lombardia.”
Teuns is looking to continue his run of good results in what has been a breakthrough season for the Belgian.
“Last year was my first time racing and it was a really hard race. My shape is still good. It’s a specific climbing finish and it’s a course for the riders in between a puncheur and a pure climber. Last year I think I was probably tired after the Vuelta a Espana but this year I will go there with different feelings, with some good results behind me. I’m relaxed but if the legs are there, I will be ambitious for a good result because the steep climbs really suit me,” Teuns explained.
Roche is looking forward to ending the season with a strong performance at the Italian one-day races.
“I’m looking forward to Giro dell’Emilia as it’s one of the last races of the year. I have maintained my form since the Vuelta a Espana so I’m hoping for a good result. The course suits me and it’s a good race to do in preparation for Il Lombardia. I think we have a strong team,” Roche said.
Giro dell’Emilia (30 September)
Rider Roster: Damiano Caruso (ITA), Alessandro De Marchi (ITA), Ben Hermans (BEL), Patrick Müller (SUI), Nicolas Roche (IRL), Manuel Senni (ITA), Dylan Teuns (BEL), Loïc Vliegen (Bel).
Sports Director: Fabio Baldato (ITA).
