Simon Gerrans riding the Paris-Nice to ensure his best form before the Ardennes Classics 2012
Simon Gerrans of Team GreenEdge is currently testing his legs at the Paris-Nice. He is using the French race to warm up for his more serious goal of the season, Ardennes Classics.
The Australian had a remarkable start to his 2012 campaign and claimed the overall victory at the UCI inaugural event, Santos Tour Down Under.
He also finished first at the Australian National Road Race Championships.
While commenting on his future goals, Gerrans briefed to Cyclingnews, "It's such a hard week of racing and as long as you come out the other side of the week healthy, you come out at a much stronger level and you sort of gain a few per cent throughout the week".
He also cited that Paris-Nice just ahead of Ardennes classics is an ideal opportunity for him to fine-tune before the Belgian event.
Gerrans joined the Australian side, Team GreenEdge for the 2012 season after ending his two-year association with the British side, Team Sky.
Team GreenEdge is making its debut at the World Tour level and Simon helped the side with its first ever victory at a UCI ranked contest.
He claimed the overall classification of the Santos Tour Under after his tremendous performance throughout the event.
The 31-year-old is considered as one of the best player in Holland and Belgian turf. He finished third during the Amstel Gold race 2011.
Meanwhile, he also managed to squeeze in the top ten positions at the Fleche Wallone and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2009.
Team GreenEdge’s Sports Director Matt White briefed that there is no pressure on Gerrans to target the overall classifications at the Ardennes classics.
The cyclist has also cited that his form during the French race will give a clear picture of his chances at the Belgian and Dutch races.
He noted, "Looking at the parcours I think if I was hitting it in my peak form and not using it as a stepping stone, and kept things going from Tour Down Under, I think a top 10 finish at Paris-Nice would be quite realistic".
Simon disclosed that his side will target the stage victories at Paris-Nice, as the team does not have any general classification rider in its squad.
Team GreenEdge has proved itself during at the Australian ground but the side has yet to make its mark in Europe.
Gerrans is optimistic that Paris-Nice is the race where the team will grab its first victory at the European hemisphere.
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