Nicholas Dlamini and Fabio Aru will spearhead Qhubeka-Assos’ team at the Tour de la Provence. Photo: Craig Kolesky
South African Nicholas Dlamini and Italian veteran Fabio Aru will spearhead Qhubeka-Assos’ team at the Tour de la Provence four-day stage-race.
Aru is one of six debutants in the seven-rider line-up for the race which starts on Thursday, February 11.
He expressed his joy at finally getting his road-racing season underway for his new team, saying, “I’m really happy and I can’t wait now to start my road season with my new team.
“For sure I’ve worked really hard over the winter including participating in some cyclocross – which I thoroughly enjoyed.
“I’m very happy overall (with my condition) and I now just want to start my road season. I will do my best for my team and teammates, and we will see how the race unfolds,” the 2015 Vuelta a Espana champion said.
The race opens with an undulating 173km ride from Aubagne to Six-Fours-les-Plages, but all eyes will be on stage three and the mountain-top finish at Mont Ventoux.
Dlamini opens his season having not been in action since October 2020.
The 25-year-old, who recently became a father for the first time, showed some good form at the recent training camp held in Spain and will now be looking to bring that sharpness into his first race.
“I’m really quite excited to start racing again. I’ve never raced in February in Europe as I always start Down Under, so it’s quite early (for me) but I’m super excited.
“I’m happy with my form; the body’s showing some good signs from the camp and I’ve been maintaining that shape so I’m excited to put it to the test.
“For the team going in there it’s going to be something new for us all: new riders in the team, first time working together and so on, but I think we’re all super motivated to the highest level after seeing how our team performed in Etoile de Besseges.
“We want to continue with that momentum and hopefully do better and get closer and closer to the podium overall.
“I think with the dynamics of the whole team everyone is motivated and in a good space; and I think we’re looking forward to a great start,” Dlamini said.
The rest of the Qhubeka-Assos comprises Sander Armee, Kilian Frankiny, Mauro Schmid, Karel Vacek and Connor Brown.
The race has attracted a number of star names with Ineos’ Egan Bernal and Deceuninck-Quick-Step’s world champion Julian Alaphilippe both starting.
Colombia’s Nairo Quintana is the defending champion.
Time to race @tourlaprovence!
We’re delighted to have our incredible supporter @MarcoOverbeeke announce our team. 🖐️
Best of luck to our team, & if you’d like to announce the team of an upcoming race just tell us ⤵️.#BicyclesChangeLives pic.twitter.com/MUZrGBDLM1
— Team Qhubeka ASSOS (@QhubekaAssos) February 10, 2021
