Lotto-Belisol’s season so far has been all about one man, or one man and his train to be exact. Andre Greipel has been in scintillating form, racking up six stage wins already with a stunning display of his sprinting prowess. Moderate climbs in Adelaide and Oman could not hold him back, and neither could the crosswinds and echelons that characterised both races. In between, he also won in Qatar, before claiming three stages and the green jersey at the Tour of Oman.
It is not all down to him, of course, though he has been in incredible sprinting form. The riders in his sprint train have been impeccable, led by Belgian Jurgen Roelandts, whose performances have been such he has also featured at the sharp end of races – securing third overall in Qatar. The Lotto-Belisol team – in their new red kit – have given a lesson in the art of the lead-out on several occasions this season. They are by no means faultless – see their road position on the final day in Qatar for evidence – but when they fire, they do so in style, presenting an ominous warning for rivals of ‘The Gorilla’.
