Irish rider Sean Downey will continue his recent comeback following illness when he lines out as part of a six man An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team at the Ronde de l’Oise (2.2) in France (11th – 14th June).
Downey goes in to today’s race in high spirits after competing in Boucles de la Mayenne (2.1 France) and team manager, Kurt Bogaerts, hopes the 24 year-old can find a strong performance ahead of next week’s European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Mayenne (Boucles de la Mayenne) was his first race back from illness, so that went well. Ronde de l’Oise is his last preparation for the European Games in Baku [Azerbaijan] so we’re confident he’ll get some good racing in to his legs. We’re really happy with his progress so far.”
The An Post team had a successful outing in Mayenne with Xandro Meurisse being the lead performer, finishing fourth on stage two and eighth overall in general classification. Bogaerts was quick to praise the Belgian rider’s individual performance.
“The race is a 2.1 which is a good level of racing so we’re really pleased that he rode so well. He’s been showing some excellent form recently so I’m glad for him that he got the rewards on this occasion.”
Bogaerts has set his sights set on a stage win for the three days in France and feels, with the current form of the riders, that the team will be primed to do so.
“It is a race that normally suits us so hopefully we can target a stage win. It feels like a lot of riders are starting to find their legs at the right time so I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform.”
