Luke Rowe Classics Campaign – ‘Let me at them’

Luke Rowe Classics Campaign 2015 was a breakthrough year – he is raring to go for 2016 – ‘Let me at them’ he says! The cobbled Classics are steeped in as much prestige and history as the Grand Tours of cycling, and offer the chance for the bigger, more explosive riders to write their name into cycling history.

 

Roubaix stands out as the pinnacle of the Classics for Luke – a view shared by many. But there’s more to the cobbled Classics than Flanders and Roubaix. The peloton begin a long build-up to the two monuments from late February, as cycling’s one-day specialists flock to Belgium for an opening double header of semi-Classics, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and one usually for the sprinters, Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne.

Ahead of the first race of Luke Rowe Classics Campaign – Omloop Het Nieuwsblad (which could be renamed as Omloop Het Stannard), this is what Luke had to say.

 

 

Q – What has the last week involved for you, in the approach to the first of the classics?

Luke – Travelling – I left home (Monaco) and travelled to Belgium. On the journey from the airport to our hotel, as we entered the region of Flanders or ‘Vlaanderen’ – I saw the Lion of Flanders on a road sign. That really hit home to me that the Classics are here – let me at them!

Since being in Belgium, we have been training and doing some ‘recce’s’ of the course, especially for Nieuwsblad, where I want to go well. Around riding the bike, its relaxing to try and rest up, whilst having some banter with the lads.

 

 

Q – What is the plan for Nieuwsblaad?

Luke – I’ll save my legs early on and look to really join the party towards the back end of the race. My form is good – my coach is happy and training has gone well. Looking at my numbers (power and training files), they suggest I have some good legs. How good – you never know until you race.

 

Q – Is Roubaix a target for you?

Luke – It is absolutely a target. I want to hit Roubaix with the best possible form I can, however whether its me that gets a result, or someone else in the team – that doesn’t matter. Roubaix is a big target for Team Sky – so I just want to ensure the team gets a result – if its me, great, if its Stannard or someone else, great.

Q – Do you have any special routine before a classic, that is different to any other race?

Luke – I tape my hands up for Roubaix, as the cobbles are so brutal, but apart from that I just get on the bike and get in my zone. I find it quite easy to switch on when a race starts, and don’t really get stressed or anything before. On the team bus before the start, I am generally chilled out.

Q – What does it feel like battling in a huge peloton (200 riders), through huge crowds (thousands), with all the noise from the fans, the smell of beer etc.?

Luke – Its crazy, but most of the time, especially on the decisive bits of the race where the biggest crowds are, I am so dialled in to the race that the atmosphere can feel a bit remote. However, once I have done a job, and I sit up and ride in the last 30km or whatever it is – the atmosphere really hits home then! I’ve been tempted a few times to stop in one of the Belgian beer tents and sink a few beers, but not sure I would be able to ride my bike to the finish after.

 

Image below – Luke at the end of the 2015 Classics season, led on the floor of the Roubaix Velodrome – good times!

Here’s to an exciting and successful 2016 Classics campaign for Luke Rowe and Team Sky!