Team Lotto-Belisol and Team Omega-Pharma Quick Step saving up for the Milan-San Remo
Most of the top cycling teams are warming up for the fourth World Tour event of the year, Milan-San Remo 2012.
Almost all the teams will go scouting the route before the first classic of the 2012 season
However, the two Belgian sides, Team Lotto-Belisol and Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step have decided to save their strengths for the actual thing.
The event is scheduled on March 17th 2012, and will conclude on Tuesday with the final time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic coastline.
The main reason behind the decision to back off is because of the fatigue that comes with it.
“The finish of Tirreno-Adriatico is more than 700 kilometres away from Milan, and afterwards, the riders would have to go back from San Remo to the start in Milan. A total of 1,000 kilometres,” Lotto Director Frison explained.
He told Sportwereld, "That would be crazy, most teams won't do that, and we won't do that to our riders. They will be better off resting and training around here".
He noted that the event is scheduled right after the tiring Tirreno-Adriatico, which leaves no time for the cyclists to recover their strengths for the Milan-San Remo.
"Moreover, there isn't a lot to recon at the Primavera. Up the Cipressa, up the Poggio and full gas to the finish - that's it!" Frison noted.
Team Lotto is counting on Andre Greipel as its main man for the event. The German is having an outstanding year and has already secured six victories in the young season.
On the other hand, the second Belgian side, Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step is hopeful that Tom Boonen will help them with the victory at the 'The race between the two seas'.
The Belgian has filled its pockets with six victories in the season already including the overall win at the Tour of Qatar.
Milan-San Remo is one of the longest one-day cycling races scheduled annually since 1907.
Lucien Petit-Breton succeeded during the first edition of the race while Matthew Goss grabbed victory during the most recent version.
Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx holds the honour of winning it for a maximum number of 7 times.
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