Professional-Continental team BMC's spring campaign in Europe has prepared the squad well for the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championships' 250-kilometre race of attrition set to start on Sunday, June 7.
"The sheer distance of the race is what makes a big difference," said directeur sportif Mike Sayers.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) granted BMC wild-card status allowing them to receive invitations to esteemed races in Europe such as, Circuit de la Sarthe, Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Romandie including a team to start the upcoming Criterium du Dauphiné Libéré. They are events that have enhanced the squads experience with top-level racing while preparing them for a lengthy one-day classic style race like Philadelphia.
"The guys who race primarily in the US seldom have a chance to race 250 kilometres in a day, so that should play to our advantage since most of our guys have already been through a lot of hard racing in Europe this spring," Sayers said. "I've always loved Philly and I think if we can get a guy in position on that final stretch, we should have a really good chance to get a top result on the day."
The squad's roster includes Danilo Wyss, Martin Kohler, Tony Cruz, Chad Beyer, Jonathan Garcia, Jackson Stewart and Taylor Tolleson. "The dynamics should play right into our hands since we have the guys with the kick to take advantage of any situation," said Sayers. "I have no doubt that a guy like Danilo has the speed to win the sprint if he's in the right position, and someone like Chad certainly has the distance in his legs so that if his form is good, he should be going well also."
Stay tuned to Cyclingnews for full coverage, including live race coverage, of the Philadelphia International Classic.
