Bahrain Victorious aim for a strong finish to 2024 in Guangxi

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: hussainm@newsobahrain.com

The 2024 Gree Tour of Guangxi, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday next week promises to be an exciting finale to the WorldTour season for both riders and spectators. Set against the stunning landscapes and rich cultural backdrop of the Southern China region, the race has evolved from its sprint-centric past to now also feature opportunities for classic riders and puncheurs.

With a revamped course, this year promises to be more unpredictable and dynamic than ever. Bahrain Victorious will look to end the season on a high, with Torstein Træen leading the charge as the team’s General Classification (GC) contender.

He will be supported by Finlay Pickering and Robert Stannard, who will play vital supporting roles. For the flat finishes, Matevž Govekar, currently in top form, will spearhead the team’s efforts, backed by Alberto Bruttomesso and Dušan Rajović as alternatives.

The experienced Łukasz Wi niowski will be key both in lead-outs and as all-round support, ensuring the team is equipped for every possible scenario. The team’s goals are clear: a stage victory and a top 5 finish in the overall standings. The race kicks off with a circuit around Fangchenggang, a coastal city near the Vietnamese border.

The short, sharp climbs on this stage are unlikely to trouble the sprinters, and offer a chance to shake off the effects of the long journey. The following day also suits the fast men, although they will need to navigate a punchy Category 3 climb at the 148km mark before reaching the finish in Jingxi.

Stage 3 is the longest of the race at 214km, with the rolling terrain in the second half likely to reduce the size of the peloton. Despite this, a reduced bunch sprint is still likely. Friday presents the best opportunity for breakaway specialists, especially if the sprinters’ teams fail to keep the time gaps under control. Stage 5 is the Tour of Guangxi’s signature stage, finishing at the Nongla Scenic Area.

The 3.3km climb at an average gradient of 6.6%, with a maximum slope of 13.5%, is likely to be decisive for the general classification. Finally, the race concludes with five laps of a circuit around Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, with another chance for the sprinters to shine.

Bahrain Victorious’ lead sports director, Gorazd Štangelj, concludes: “The stages are different from last year, and riders who are still motivated at this point in the season will have an advantage. We see this race as an opportunity to win stages and continue to grow.

We aim to fight for stage victories and a top-5 finish in the GC. The intermediate sprints will be key, as time bonuses could play a significant role. Our riders have clear roles, but there’s also room for individual ambitions.”