Andre Greipel to ride Giro d'Italia but skip Santos Tour Down Under in revamped spring schedule
Wednesday 10 December 2014 19:50, UK
German sprinter Andre Greipel will race the Giro d’Italia next May in a reshuffle of his usual spring schedule.
The 32-year-old Lotto-Soudal rider last took part in the Giro in 2010, when he claimed the second of his two stage wins to date at the three-week race.
He will also ride the Tour de France in the summer as he bids for Grand Tour victories on two fronts in 2015.
Greipel said: “I'll ride the Giro next year. I participated for the last time in 2010. The Tour is again a goal in July, so I will start in two Grand Tours.”
In another change to his calendar, Greipel will skip January's Santos Tour Down Under for the first time since 2007.
Greipel has been one of the most successful riders in Santos Tour Down Under history, having won a record 16 stages and two overall titles, but he will miss the 2015 race in order to be in peak condition for the spring Classics.
He added: “It's a pity I won't go to Australia, because I always liked being there and I set very good results.
“For me, Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem are the most important Classics - I'll take my chance there. I will ride the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in function of the team. We want to be strong as a whole.”
