More racing in Italy on the cards

Team MTN-Qhubeka will continue the series of Italian races it’s been competing in over the last few weeks, when its riders line-up for Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda by Bergamasca on Thursday.

The three-day race is a hilly affair that will suit the climbers, and the team will again feature Sergio Pardilla to be supported by Louis Meintjes and Jacques Janse van Rensburg.

“In the last races in Italy, I have seen the team improve from the beginning of the year,” said Pardilla.

“We’re stronger as a unit, work better in the race, we just need to finish the race by winning.”

Songezo Jim, who will be playing a supporting role, echoed Pardilla’s sentiments.

“I am looking forward to next year because we’re learning so fast now. We are racing really well together as a team and gaining experience.

“Guys like Louis are so strong and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do in this race again.”

The race takes place from Thursday to Saturday over three stages, with all three days ending in mountaintop finishes.

The team will remain predominantly the same as the one that’s been competing on the Italian circuit. Meron Russom (Eritrea), Tsgabu Grmay (Ethiopia), Ferekalsi Debesay (Eritrea) and Kristian Sbaragli make up the rest of the start list.

Team directors Kevin Campbell and Thomas Campana have been praising the team for executing orders in the last few weeks.

Jim, Debesay, Russom and Meintjes have found themselves in breakaways while Pardilla, Sbaragli and Janse van Rensburg have all netted top-20 finishes.

Source: Supersport.com