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SwissEver GP Cham-Hagendorn
Preview |
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SwissEver GP Cham-Hagendorn is
another new race on the calendar and the second race in
Switzerland after the Frauen Grand Prix Gippingen was added in
2014. Part of a busy weekend of racing with six races means
that the majority of big UCI teams are racing elsewhere with
formerly ranked number one Orica-AIS bringing the strongest
riders in the race.
The Route
11 laps of a 9.3 kilometre circuit starting and finishing in
Ziel. The lap is mostly flat but a short steep climb coming
after two kilometres. The climb is likely to be the main point
of attacking and the repetitive nature is likely to make it
hard for the sprinters.
The Contenders
Start list available
here
Orica-AIS
The strongest team in the race and it would be a surprise if a
rider not from Orica-AIS stood atop the podium at the end of
the race. The only question is who will it be. The team has
struggled to claim a win in Europe this year and this is
likely to be their best chance to date.
Valentina Scandolara is a rider everyone will want to keep
their eye on. Started on the track but is now focused on the
road. The short sharp climbs are well suited and from a select
group or even a larger one in this race will be very difficult
to beat in a sprint.
Lizzie Williams is still in her first season as a professional
after making a return to the sport after a 10 year absence.
Another rider who climbs well on the short steep climbs but
still packs a strong finish. Don't be surprised to see attack
after attack from Williams and Scandolara as they know if one
gets away has a good chance to win while the other is sitting
back waiting for a sprint.
Former Australian Champion Amanda Spratt is another card the
team has. Would prefer a more undulating race but still packs
a strong finish. Will probably try and get away knowing the
teams quick finishers are sitting in the bunch conserving
energy.
This year is all about learning for Alex Manly but in this
race she could find herself in a position to take a strong
result. The climb will not trouble her and her sprint has
improved greatly in the past few months after working with
SASI head coach Jason Niblett.
Lucy Coldwell
Not a name many might be familiar with but Coldwell could
surprise. An underrated rider who finished just outside the
top 10 at the Women's Tour of New Zealand in February and
picked up overall victory in the Mersey Valley Tour in the
Australian NRS earlier this month. Climbs well but the short
nature of the climb is unlikely to allow her to do some real
damage. If she gets away as part of a small group could finish
in the top 5.
Ale Cipollini
The Italian team brings a strong team of sprinters really to
challenge for victory. They might not have a stand out
favourite but with several quick finishers they have options.
The one major disadvantage the team has is they often lack the
cohesion to work together. Putting several riders in the top
10 might give you points but if they want to win will need to
work together. Arianna Fidanza has a number of strong results
this year including top 10's in Argentina, Qatar and China.
Maria Giulia Confalonieri is another name to watch closely.
Marta Bastianelli
A strong sprinter but navigating the climb could be a bit of a
challenge. As long as she can remain in contact will be very
dangerous in a sprint finish.
Other names to watch: Desiree Ehrler, Rasa Leleivyte, Eujenia
Bujak and Rosella Ratto. |
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