Team BMC announces the final squad for the 2012 season
Team BMC announced its final squad for the coming version of the Tour of Flanders. The Belgian race is the eighth biggest event of the 2012 season and is scheduled on April 1, 2012.
The American team is amongst the strongest sides in the peloton, although it has been unlucky in terms of victories.
Despite having some of the biggest stars in its side, including Philippe Gilbert, Thor Hushovd, Cadel Evans, Alessandro Ballan and many other top rides in its side, it has struggled to justify the potential in the first quarter of the season.
Cadel Evans opened the team’s winning account during the Criterium International. He grabbed the overall victory at the event and also succeeded during the second stage of the race.
Evans is the team’s main contender for the Tour de France 2012 and the cyclist believes that his victory at the French race will help his cause for the French Grand Tour.
He briefed, "It's a good indication [for the Tour] but we've got big races to come still for me, July at the Tour and maybe the Olympic Games".
"I go to the Ardennes week and try and be a good lieutenant for Phil' Gilbert there and then the Tour of Romandie".
"It's a special race for me but most of all it's really getting the final steps in place for the Tour. Then I'll just be working toward Dauphine and training camps".
The team has announced the final squad for the Tour of Flanders and the eight cyclists to represent the team are: Alessandro Ballan, Philippe Gilbert, Marcus Burghardt and Thor Hushovd.
Manuel Quinziato, George Hincapie, Greg Van Avermaet and Michael Schar are all chosen to ride the coming edition of the Belgian race.
Philippe Gilbert topped the UCI World Tour ranking in the past season and has not tasted a single victory during the first quarter of the season.
The Belgian is determined to find his winning ways in front of the home crowd during the 96th edition of the Tour of Flanders.
The winner of the race will be awarded with a 100 UCI points while the second and the third positions will grab the 80 and the 70 points in the respective order.
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