05 August 2022

Tour of Leuven : "a local circuit open to offensive riders"

Formerly known as the Grand Prix Jef Scherens and renamed the Tour of Leuven this year, this Belgian event is largely based on the route of the 2021 World Championships. This will be the first race in the colours of Arkéa-Samsic for our newest recruit Louis Barré.

“I had already ridden the Grand Prix Jef Scherens before the Worlds and it was already a very tense race because it was only drawn in town. This year, the organizers have added a line section similar to the “Flandrien circuit” that we had at the world championships with some cobbled climbs. This can make the race interesting and make it difficult for the sprinters’ teams, even if it is still far from the finish. The final in Leuven is favourable for attacks because it is quite technical. A small group can quickly get ahead with all these changes of direction.”

Roger Tréhin, sport director

“The difficulties of the road section come early in the race. We can expect a bunch sprint unless there is a movement race because not all the teams will want to wait for the final package. We will have to be opportunistic and vigilant. On our side, we will be able to count on Dan McLay who is back in form after his recovery last week in the Vuelta a Castilla y León.”

Riders

Alan Riou
Daniel McLay
Donavan Grondin