Just as our men’s team settles in at their Southern California training camp, races from across the globe are beginning to announce their invited teams. We will be sending nine riders to Europe to race Jan 31-Feb 4 in the 650 km Volta Valenciana (UCI 2.1). The race starts with a 38 km team time trial followed by four hilly stages. On a demanding course like this, team strength will come into play.
After two additional one-day races they will finish up their time in Spain with the 700 km, five-stage Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol (UCI 2.HC) Feb 14-18. Last year’s race was won by Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde. The riders will need to be in top form on the climbs and in the individual time trial to remain in contention.
With UCI races reducing roster sizes to seven, the team will rotate two riders each race based on course profiles and fitness levels.
The remaining seven riders are headed to the Middle East where they will tackle the 900 km, six-stage Tour of Oman (UCI 2.HC) Feb 13-18. This is a race suited for the sprinters until the penultimate general classification day where they finish atop the infamous Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain). The team awaits confirmation of another key Middle Eastern race but rest assured, this will not be a one and done affair.
We will continue to update you on our early season race schedule as organizations announce their 2018 teams.
Now get out and ride your bike!
