Simon Gerrans will officially lead BMC Racing Team at one of the most important cycling events that is going to take place this weekend; Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Gerrans, 37, was able to finish this one-day competition in fifth position in his first participation back in 2016 and then took second place, right behind Team Sunweb’s Nikias Arndt last season.
“I really like the course. The first loop we do when we head down towards the Great Ocean Road is quite scenic and a good way to get a few kilometers out of the way,” Gerrans said during an official press release of BMC.
As our riders in Australia prepare for the #CadelRoadRace, it’s back to business in Spain at our second training camp of the month ??! #Ride_BMC ?: @cauldphoto pic.twitter.com/BkwzZoBZgL
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) January 23, 2018
“As we get to the finish circuits it becomes a really selective part where we often see a small group come to the finish. I really like the circuit and I think it suits me well.”
The newly-added BMC member has high hopes for the event and is confident he will secure a great position, especially since he is going to use the help of both Richie Porte and Rohan Dennis, Australian national time trial champion.
Playing the ‘cards’ right
The seven-man squad includes: Simon Gerrans, Richie Porte, Miles Scotson, Rohan Dennis, Patrick Bevin, Tom Bohli and Danilo Wyss.
“We have multiple cards to play at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Simon Gerrans will be our protected rider for a sprint finish as last year he was right up there and finished second in the group of 20 or so riders. I expect there to be a selection of 20 to 30 riders there at the finish again this year,” sports director Fabio Baldato stated.
“With Rohan Dennis and Richie Porte in great shape, we can also go on the offensive and try something different. We will see how the race unfolds and decide which card we want to play on the day. It is good to have so many options as it is a tough course and anything can happen in a one-day race. To win the road race would be a great way to wrap up our Australian season before we head back to Europe, especially with three of Australia’s best riders in our team.”
