UAE Team Emirates will start the Prudential Ride London-Surrey Classic this Sunday in support of Ben Swift and it’s a race that suits the British rider having finished on the podium on two occasions, in 2015 (3rd) and 2014 (2nd).
“I like this race,” said Swift. “I have achieved good results in the past, making it to the podium twice. However, this year the situation will be different, considering that the race has become a part of the World Tour circuit and the participation by teams from the highest categories will raise the level of competition. I hope I can take advantage of the top form I’m in after finishing the Tour de France.
“I’m happy that I’ve got the chance to race in London; among other things it is the only opportunity I’ll have in the season to race in England with UAE Team Emirates. I will be even more motivated and I hope to receive the support of the many cycling fans in Britain.”
The 200-kilometre race starts from Horse Guards Parade, St James’s Park in central London, before travelling to Surrey where they will face climbs such as Staple Lane, Leith Hill and Box Hill. The route takes the riders back to London with the finish on The Mall.
“We are going to be able to count on a group of fast athletes,” explains UAE Team Emirates Directeur Sportif Marzano. “Swift knows this race well and will be highly motivated; furthermore we can also count on Consonni and Kump.
“Laengen and Durasek will try to make the most of the polish they gained at the Tour de France in order to contribute to the squad, and Troia, Ganna and Zurlo will be ready to be a part of any eventual breakaways in the first part of the race.”
UAE Team Emirates line-up
– Simone Consonni (ITA)
– Filippo Ganna (ITA)
– Marko Kump (ITA)
– Vegard Stake Laengen (ITA)
– Ben Swift (ITA)
– Oliviero Troia (ITA)
– Federico Zurlo (ITA)
