After a bunch of classic races, it is now time for a stage race. In the north of Holland the Healthy Ageing Tour starts this Wednesday. It will be five days of hard racing, with the wind probably as an important factor. For Lonneke Uneken it’s her home race. Last year she won two stages in the junior women’s edition of the race. “I have been looking forward to this week.”
Winning two stages last year, for sure doesn’t mean that is possible this year too. “Riding with the elite is totally different than riding as a junior”, Lonneke explains. “I am very happy with my season so far, but there are a lot things different in comparison with last year. With the elite the race distances are twice as long and the competition is of course way stronger. I am now racing against the absolute world top.”
What is the plan for the Healthy Ageing Tour? “Before the season the goal was to finish races. That is going well, so now I want more. I hope to interfere in the front of the race, maybe in a sprint, and to be important for my teammates. Besides that I like the echelons. A hard race only makes it more fun.”
Lonneke thinks Team Hitec Products – Birk Sport can show itself in the race. “I think we have a strong team and we will have to look day by day for who we are going to ride. It depends on how everyone is feeling. The great thing is, we all want to help each other and work for each other. With that spirit I think we can get some good results.”
About the Healthy Ageing Tour
The five days stage race has a total of six stages, starting with a stage on the German island Borkum. On Thursday the 134,4 kilometers second stage with start and finish in Surhuisterveen is the longest of the week. After racing in and around Musselkanaal on Friday, there will be a ‘double day’ on Saturday. In the morning there is an individual time trial in Winsum and in the afternoon the peloton has to conquer a stage from Wolvega to Heerenveen. On Sunday the race finishes in Midwolda.
There will be live coverage of all stages on Podium.TV.
Selection Team Hitec Products – Birk Sport
Lonneke Uneken (NED)
Amalie Lutro (NOR)
Chanella Stougje (NED)
Julie Meyer Solvang (NOR)
Lucy Garner (GBR)
Marta Tagliaferro (ITA)