An Post rider, Jack Wilson, returns from injury to join fellow Irishman, Conor Dunne, as part of a six man An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team at the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey Classic (1HC) this Sunday, August 2nd. The duo will also be joined by team mates, Aidis Kruopis (LTH), Alistair Slater (GB) and Belgian natives, Alexander Maes and Jens Vandenbogaerde.
Having moved up a level in the UCI rankings last year to a 1.HC classification, this year’s race will feature some of the world’s best cyclists including Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish of Etixx – Quick Step.
An Post Team Manager Kurt Bogaerts is looking forward to the challenge that faces the team.
“RideLondon is a really high profile race and we are really happy that we can compete this year. We have the likes of Aidis Kruopis who can certainly do well there and be in the mix for the win even with the strong competition. Conor Dunne is also extremely motivated at the moment and is riding aggressively to be in the breakaways so we’re excited for our riders to be tested against the best.”
The 200 km route will begin in East London taking the peloton through the heart of Surrey over a course made famous from the road race and time trial events at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The riders will take in eight of London’s boroughs and London’s largest Royal Park – Richmond Park.
Bogaerts is relishing returning to the UK for his riders to take part.
“You don’t have many opportunities to ride in the UK or in Ireland so when you have these chances, you really want to do well and show that you are a strong team and ride for the result.”
Elsewhere, six other members of the An Post team will in action in the French three-day stage race, Kreiz Breiz, this Saturday, 1st of August.
The 2.2 classification UCI race will take place in Brittany, France and will comprise of four stages over three days, the first of which is a gruelling 185 kilometres. Riding two top ranked races on the same weekend will be a good test of the strength and depth of the squad, admits Bogaerts.
“It is always going to be difficult to do well in two races that are on the same weekend especially when key team members are carrying bad injuries. Aaron Gate is still struggling with his shoulder injury he sustained in a recent race. It is unfortunate as he was riding at a really high level this season. The doctor couldn’t give him the all-clear and we have to respect that. He has had a great year so far and we hope to see him back in the saddle soon. Having said that, we have lots of talented riders who can deliver good performances so we’re not worried.”
Apart from Gate and Sean Downey, who is also not available for selection, Bogaerts’ team are injury free.
“The team is in good shape. We still have a few injury concerns. Jack Wilson has only just returned to training on the bike after a bad collar bone injury and it is great to see him back. I hope he can open up the legs and enjoy himself as this will be an invaluable experience for all the riders.”
The three-day stage race Kreiz Breizh Elites will commence on the 1st of August at 12.15pm while the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey Classic will commence at 1.30pm on Sunday, 2nd of August.
An Post Sean Kelly Chain Reaction Team for Prudential RideLondon – Surrey Classic (1.HC)
Conor Dunne (IRL)
Jack Wilson (IRL)
Alexander Maes (BEL)
Aidis Kruopis (LTH)
Jens Vandenbogaerde (BEL)
Alistair Slater (GB)
An Post Sean Kelly Chain Reaction Team for Kreiz Breizh Elites – France (2.2)
Eoin McCarthy (IRL)
Ryan Mullen (IRL)
Xandro Meurisse (BEL)
Paulius Siskevicius (LTH)
Jordan Stannus (AUS)
Josh Edmondson (GB)
