Wynants included in Belgian team for first European Games
Team LottonNL-Jumbo rider Maarten Wynants is included in the Belgian selection for the first European Games by coach Carlo Bomans. The European Games take place from June 12 to 28 and are held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
“I'm honoured to be there,” Wynants said. “It’s something new and it seems like a nice challenge. I think the European Games are a great initiative. It’s like the Commonwealth Games, which are very important for those athletes.”
Wynants will travel to Baku with ambitions. “I have spoken Bomans, but we didn’t discuss tactics yet. The course is hilly, but not extremely difficult. I expect Tom Boonen to be our leader. I'm going to do what I can for the team."
The European Games’ road race is held on a 13.5-kilometre circuit through Baku. The peloton needs to complete 16 laps, totalling 216 kilometres.
Tiesj Benoot, Jens Keukeleire, Gianni Meersman and Stijn Vandenbergh are called up as well for the Belgian Team.
Team LottoNL-Jumbo rider Nick van der Lijke is part of the Dutch squad.