UAE Team Emirates classics men gear up for Opening Weekend

Aiming to build on what has been a promising start at the UAE Tour, UAE Team Emirates will also head into the weekend with a full calendar of events across Northern Europe.

In Belgium the classics campaign begins with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on 27th Feb followed by Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on 28th Feb.

The team is spearheaded by the experienced duo of Tim Wellens and Nils Politt who will aim to join forces on the cobbles this spring.

Taking charge will be Sports Directors Marco Marcato (Ita) and Simone Pedrazzini (Swi) who will lead a group of seven riders:

Omloop Nieuwsblad [1.UWT] – 24-Feb-2024 & Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne [1.Pro] – 25-Feb-2024

-Filippo Baroncini (Ita)
-Alvaro Hodeg (Col)
-Antonio Morgado (Por)
-Rui Oliveira (Por)
-Nils Politt (Ger)
-Michael Vink (NZ)

-Tim Wellens (Bel)

Tim Wellens : “The team has started the year very strongly which lifts the whole group. For me personally opening weekend in Belgium is the first big test of the season. The shape is good and I’m super motivated for these first races. Earlier in the month we did some recons and tested tyre pressures on the cobbles so we feel confident we’ve done our homework in that regard. We have some strong options at the races – it will be my first race with my new teammate Nils Politt who will be a strong ally and also Rui Oliveira did a nice top-10 in Omloop last year so can be strong. The goal will be to have as many guys as possible entering the final of the races.”

Meanwhile in France the team will have two races :the Faun-Ardèche Classic on 24 Feb followed by the Royal Bernard Drome Classic on 25 Feb.

Sports Director Tomas Gil (Ven) will take charge over the two races with the following seven man squad:

Faun-Ardèche Classic [1.Pro] – 24-Feb-2024

-Igor Arrieta (Spa)

-Sjoerd Bax (Ned)

-Marc Hirschi (Swi)

-Juan Ayuso (Spa)

-Marc Soler (Spa)

-Diego Ulissi (Ita)