The World Ports Classic race will be held for the first time on August 31. The two-day tour leads from Rotterdam to Antwerp and then back again. The race links Belgium and the Netherlands, two countries that have always played an important role in cycling history. The results for both stages, which have different routes, will mainly be determined by the weather conditions that are typical for this region as well as sprint finishes. The course of the World Ports Classic is made for the best sprinters and classic riders in the peloton. They can expect a flat profile, lots of wind and the occasional stretch of cobblestones.

The first stage from Rotterdam to Antwerp over 201 kilometers is extremely flat and includes two sprint classifications. The wind will definitely play a decisive factor in this stage. The course runs across many big bridges and stretches of water along the windy North Sea coast.

On the way back from Antwerp to Rotterdam on the next day, the riders can look forward to 162 kilometers inland. Although the inland part of the course is a good distance from the coast, the weather conditions typical for this region will still play a role. Maybe a larger group will manage to push through, but if not it may well turn into a festival for the sprinters again.

“The race has been designed for sprinters and classic riders. We have therefore set up our team accordingly for the World Ports Classic. Even if the field of riders includes the best sprinters, we’ll make use of our chances and try to achieve a good result,” explains Enrico Poitschke, Team NetApp’s Sport Director.  

Line-Up:
Daniel Schorn, Andre Schulze, Blaz Jarc, Michael Schwarzmann, Markus Eichler, Cesare Benedetti, Andreas Schillinger

Website of the race