The next appointment on the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung race calendar is the Tour of Norway. Starting tomorrow, the Norwegian UCI 2.HC event will have riders compete over 5 road stages all ranging between 160 and 200 kilometres in length.
None of the stages could be considered to have any massive mountains to deal with but then none of the stages are particularly flat either. Numerous short hills of gradients around 7% will be the order for of most of the stages. With only 6 rider teams, all is poised for an open and exciting race over the next 5 days.
The Tour of Norway also marks the return to racing for Edvald Boasson Hagen. Eddy broke his collarbone at the Gent-Wevelgem earlier in the year and has since made a full recovery. Starting alongside Eddy after also being out of action with a broken bone is Jaco Venter. Jaco fractured his humerus at the Coppi e Bartali but is ready for action after 2 weeks of solid training.
The rest of our African team will be made up by Jay Thomson, Songezo Jim, Nic Dougall and Serge Pauwels. As always our boys will be looking to race from the front this week and after having raced in Norway on a couple of occasions now, the boys will be motivated for what is one of the most scenic races on the calendar.
Edvald Boasson Hagen – Rider
Alex Sans Vega – Sport Director
