Chavanel gets Roubaix call-up

Sylvain Chavanel has spoken of the delight he feels after Quick Step team manager Patrick Lefevere included him in the squad's roster for this weekend's Paris-Roubaix. Chavanel has enjoyed a strong season to date, having claimed a stage victory at Paris-Nice and holding the race's yellow jersey before finishing third overall.

"For us Frenchmen the Roubaix has the same charm and importance as the Ronde does for the Flemish athletes," said Chavanel. "Being able to take part in the race as protagonist with such a strong team really means a lot to me."

Lefevere said the spot on his Paris-Roubaix squad is a reward for the Frenchman's efforts. Chavanel will work for the team's main hope and defending champion Tom Boonen.

"Sylvain really wanted to take part in this race," he said. "Adding him to the team for the race is the right reward as he has proven to have the qualities and capabilities required in both working for himself and for the rest of the team."

Chavanel's Spring Classics campaign this year has included Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, E3 Prijs Vlaanderen-Harelbeke and Ronde Van Vlaanderen.

"Roubaix closes an important series of races for me," said Chavanel. "A series of races that have seen myself in action right from the beginning of the year. I am really pleased to be able to finish, along with the rest of the team, this first part of the season with such an important race as Roubaix."