As the season transitions from the spring monuments to the national tours, on May 1 sprinters and classic specialists will fight for their chance to shine in Eschborn-Frankfurt. The upcoming 60th edition will be hillier and longer compared to previous years. The race typically ends in a bunch sprint, but this year expect some selections to be made when the peloton passes Mammolshain(2.3km/8%).

Phil Bauhaus who took 4th last year will once again be the sprint option for the team. Phil will be working with the promising Slovenian Matevž Govekar as his lead-out man. Team leader Edoardo Zambanini will have his eye on dangerous moves together with Hermann Pernsteiner and Fran Miholjević at the crucial part of the race. Yukiya Arashiro will serve as road captain while Sergio Tu will be looking to get into breakaways.

Comments from Enrico Poitschke, our sports director:

“This year Eschborn-Frankfurt is harder than last years. We have a good team in all cases. It’s a young team with some guys who have a lot of experience, especially Yuyika who always works really well for the team. He can also organize the team in the race. Phil is a very experienced sprinter, and also Hermann, a guy who has been long in WorldTour business, knows how the race works.”

“On the other hand we have very young guys. Fran, Sergio, Edoardo and Matevž are very hungry to get their chances. We think the race is very open. Sprinters or maybe a small group can fight for the victory. From that side I think we have a good team for all cases. We will follow the attacks and ride aggressively.”

“Phil and Matevž can stay in the bunch when it comes to a bunch sprint finish. Edoardo is more or less our leader. He is a guy who can climb really well and he is in good shape for the coming Giro. Hopefully he can stay with the small group on the climb to the finish. He is also fast enough to fight for the victory. We look forward to Monday for the first big race in Germany.”