Steegmans 'intense training' Down Under
Omega Pharma – Quick-Step | January 21, 2012
Gert Steegmans kicked off his season this week at the Tour Down Under in South Australia with team OmegaPharma-Quick Step. The first race of the season gave the Belgian an idea of what is in store for 2012 and a better understanding of his new team-mates.
"The racing in Australia is good intense training," Steegmans said this morning.
"All winter, I was saying to myself, 'I'm training more than the others, I'm sure, I'm sure. Nobody's training in this weather. And so on.' Then you come to the first race and see, 'Ahh, crap, everyone's been training hard.'"
Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) won today's queen stage to Willunga Hill. Australian Simon Gerrans (GreenEDGE) leads the race and looks likely to win the overall classification tomorrow.
Steegmans has his sights on races later in the season. He likes the Tour de France, where he won two stages, and excels in the classics. The Tour Down Under allows him to have a warm start to the season and work with his new team-mates – like Andrew Fenn and Matt Brammeier.
"It's a bit too hot. I forgot how it was. When I came here I was knocked of my feet," he said with a laugh.
"The Tour Down Under is an important race because it's in the WorldTour and has many top riders. It is hard to come away with a good result, but we feel good, even if the stages are becoming harder and harder. I think we have a strong team with Gerald Ciolek and Andrew Fenn. Fenn is strong and has been impressive with us when were training."
Steegmans raced for Quick Step for two years in 2007 and 2008, and returned last year. This year, he welcomes new team-mates and Specialized bikes.
Sports director, Brian Holm joined from HTC-Highroad with several important riders, including Tony Martin, Bert Grabsch and the Velits twins.
"This year, OmegaPharma-Quick Step Floor team – a long name – actually became more international with Levi Leipheimer, Tony Martin..." continued Steegmans.
"There are a few Belgian teams in the WorldTour and it's nice to have the possibility to ride in a 'home' team. It's the same for the Australians, luckily now they have GreenEDGE. The more teams the better. It's always hard for riders to find teams; we are lucky because we are Belgians and have two Belgian teams. And we speak English! Our doctor can't speak Flemish, so, we speak English!"
Steegmans finishes the Tour Down Under tomorrow and then heads back home in Monaco. His goals are in the classics, like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in April. He wants to lead the team or help Tom Boonen win again.
"The results don't show it, but I'm feeling well. It's good because normally I am not racing this time of year.
"I always have big expectations, but I never say them. I feel good and I want to have the best season ever. I am a sprinter and classics rider, and I'll never be a climber, it's a shame, but I'd have to lose 25kg and muscles. It can't happen, I like to eat too much!"