Omega Pharma-QuickStep Team Announces Line-Up for Vuelta a Espana

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08/18/2014| 0 comments
by Roadcycling.com
Omega Pharma-QuickStep has announced its roster for Vuelta a Espana 2014 OPQS / Tim de Waele

Omega Pharma-QuickStep Team Announces Line-Up for Vuelta a Espana

Today the Omega Pharma-QuickStep team revealed its roster for the 2014 Vuelta a Espana grand tour, which begins on August 23. The team's line-up is centered around the team's general classification favorite Rigoberto Uran and offers good support in flat stages, mountanous terrain - and in the team time trial which kicks off this year's Vuelta.

The three-week Vuelta a Espana 2014 consists of 21 stages covering 3239.9 kilometers from August 23rd to September 14th. The route features five flat stages, thirteen medium and high mountain stages, and two individual time trials.

A 12.6 kilometer team time trial opens the race. World time trial champion Tony Martin of Germany is expected to deliver a strong performance in the team time trial, thereby setting the stage in the best possible way for Rigoberto Uran. Martin himself will have the opportunity to go for stage wins and optimize his form before this year's world championships in the Vuelta's individual time trials, which are scheduled to take place during stages 10 and 21, at 36.7 kilometers and 9.7 kilometers distances, respectively.

The team management has high hopes for Uran in the Vuelta a Espana and expects him to deliver a remarkable performance during the three weeks on the roads of Spain.

"The team is built up around Rigoberto Uran, who will get full support from his teammates," Omega Pharma-QuickStep Sport Manager Rolf Aldag explained. "During the Giro d’Italia Rigoberto proved he has the skills for the major tours, so he deserves the support of the team."

"His build-up for the Vuelta was similar to the one set in motion for the Giro d’Italia. Some of the guys from the team's roster, such as Wout Poels, Gianluca Brambilla, and Pieter Serry already have experience with riding next to Uran in major tours. Backing them up, the squad will be able to count on Carlos Verona - his first big tour, and also Martin Velits and Nikolas Maes. These three riders are all guarantors in terms of team support and rapport."

"The squad will be completed by Tom Boonen and Tony Martin. Tom's leadership will be important in the flat stages and in bunch sprint arrivals in which we want to stand out with his dashes. La Vuelta a Espana will also be important for him as he prepares for the Worlds. Tony will make La Vuelta an important part of his World Championship build-up. He will target the opening team time trial and the long individual time trial to test his shape. In the other stages he will serve as support in the overall team strategy," Aldag continued.

"In general the team is well-balanced with riders who will be able to support Uran in every kind of racing situation."

Team Omega Pharma - Quick Step roster for La Vuelta a Espana 2014:
Rigoberto Uran Uran (COL)
Tony Martin (GER)
Tom Boonen (BEL)
Wout Poels (NED)
Martin Velits (SVK)
Nikolas Maes (BEL)
Pieter Serry (BEL)
Gianluca Brambilla (ITA)
Carlos Verona (ESP)

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