Sam Bennett (Bora Argon 18), Philip Deignan (Team Sky) and Dan Martin (Cannondale Garmin) have been listed amongst the provisional starters for the forthcoming Challenge Ciclista Mallorca, which is the opening European race of the season.
The race has a somewhat unusual format whereby riders can pick and choose which events they will take part in. The four stages are as follows:
Trofeo Playa de Palma – Palma
Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana
Trofeo Andratx – Mirador d’Es Colomer
Trofeo Santanyí-Ses Salines-Campos
The Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana and Trofeo Andratx – Mirador d’Es Colomer take in the mountains of the western side of the island, whilst the flatter first and last days will offer the best opportunities for bunch sprints. These could be the days when Sam Bennett comes to the fore. Amongst the other big name sprinters taking part are André Greipel (Lotto Soudal), Ben Swift (Team Sky) and Theo Bos (MTN Qhubeka).
The race will also be the debut race for the new Dutch squad, Team Roompot and also Team Wiggins Development Team.
