Dubai: UCI World Tour cycling outfit UAE Team Emirates will line up for their second northern European race in a week as the side seeks to build upon its performance ahead of Gent-Wevelgem and The Tour of Flanders on March 26 and April 1, respectively.
The 60th edition of E3 Harelbeke in Belgium includes fifteen ‘hellingen’ (hills) and five cobbled sections which make for a brutal course and exciting racing.
The day race is characterised by sharp climbs that start with the Katteberg and finish with the Tiegemberg. The Flemish hills come in quick succession over the 206.2-km race with most no more than 5km apart.
The steepest climb of the day is the Paterberg, a short but cobbled stretch that UAE Team Emirates climbed on Wednesday at the Dwars Door Vlaanderen and will meet twice again at the Tour of Flanders on April 1.
Sporting Director Mario Scirea said: “The Dwars Door Vlaanderen and E3 Harelbeke will be our first two races in northern Europe. These races have a unique environment for the cyclists and the standard of racing is always strong.”
The UAE Team Emirates roster mirrors Dwars Door Vlaanderen where a mix of more experienced team members lead the younger riders.
Experienced Italian climber, Marco Marcato, 33, said: “I always liked the northern races, I appreciate them even more after spending five years in a Dutch team. It’s always exciting for me to be at the start of these races, I’m hoping to pass on that excitement to my younger teammates.”
Riding alongside Marcato is a UAE Team Emirates line-up made up of Andrea Guardini, Marko Kump, Vegard Laengen, Simone Consonni, Sacha Modolo, Oliviero Troia and Frederico Zurlo. UAE Team Emirates is racing at the Volta a Catalunya until Sunday, the Gent-Wevelgem from March 26 and The Tour of Flanders from April 1.
