Irish rider Sean Downey will be the sole Irish representative for the An Post Sean Kelly team when they line out at the Handzame classic (1.1) tomorrow in Belgium.
Downey will form part of an eight man team which includes Belgian riders Niko Eeckhout, Joren Segers, Roy Jans and Pieter Ghyllebert, British riders Mark McNally and Mark Christian and Lithuanian rider Gediminas Bagdonas.
The An Post team have been in a rich vein of form recently following their wins at the Pro Wanzele (1.2) and Kattekoers (1.2) but an unfortunate crash midweek at the Nokere-Koerse involving Gediminas Bagdonas scuppered the team’s chances of claiming their third win of the season.
Team manager Kurt Bogaerts is happy with the team’s form and is hopeful of more success this weekend.
“The team have been riding well and working hard for each other. We were unfortunate at the Nokere-Koerse as Gediminas was in a strong position when the crash happened but thankfully he suffered no major injuries and is ok to ride this weekend which is the most important thing.
“The team had a good result last year at the Handzame Classic claiming second place so if we continue to perform like we have been then we have a good chance of a top 3 finish, ” Bogaerts said.
Irish duo Connor McConvey and Sam Bennett will not be involved this weekend as they are suffering from flu.
Team for Handzame Classic (1.1) 16th March
- Sean Downey (IRL)
- Niko Eeckhout (BEL)
- Roy Jans (BEL)
- Pieter Ghyllebert (BEL)
- Joren Segers (BEL)
- Mark McNally (GB)
- Mark Christian (GB)
- Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU)