A strong An Post Chain Reaction team will head to the Hauts-de-France region of France this Thursday 8th June for the 64th edition of Ronde de l’Oise (UCI 2.2). An Post Rás final stage winner Przemysław Kasperkiewicz (POL) will be back in action alongside An Post Rás general classification fifth Damien Shaw (IRE), Sean McKenna (IRE), Conor Hennebry (IRE) and Mark Stewart (SCO).
The inform team will head out against nineteen teams which will include French professional continental and international teams such as Interpro cycling (Japan), Team BMC Racing (United States) and the National Team of Great Britain. Similar to An Post Rás, French regional and club teams will also take their place. The ceremonial start will take place at the Hotel du Départment, Beauvais and the peloton will cover no less than 700km over the course of three days. The race will culminate in Liancourt on Saturday afternoon.
With sixteen categorised climbs over the course of three days, it is a race that is more than likely set to suit tough climber Przemysław Kasperkiewicz who secured the King of the Mountains jersey in this year’s edition of An Post Rás.
Commenting on the team since their exceptional week in Ireland, Team Manager Kurt Bogaerts said:
“Kasperkiewicz, Shaw and McKenna have had a break since An Post Rás. I would be hopeful of a good result in France this weekend. It is always a nice three-day race with some competitive teams taking part.”
Ronde de l’Oise has been a successful race for the An Post Chain Reaction team in the past, with wins in the overall in 2011 and 2015.
Damien Shaw is the only rider with previous experience in the race which Bogaerts believes is a positive for the team:
“He will be sure to pass on any knowledge he will have collected on previous editions.”
An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly Racing Team in action at Ronde de l’Oise (UCI 2.2):
Przemysław Kasperkiewicz (POL)
Damien Shaw (IRE)
Sean McKenna (IRE)
Conor Hennebry (IRE)
Mark Stewart (SCO)