Gerolsteiner for Franco-Belge

German team Gerolsteiner is gearing up for its last stage race this season, the Circuit Franco-Belge in Northern France and Belgium. Starting Thursday, September 28, in Mabeuge, France, the 2.1 race will finish on Sunday, October 1 in Tournai, Belgium. "Our goal is a stage win," said team director Christian Wegmann, and has assembled a roster of two experienced, older riders to guide their younger colleagues at the event.

Frank Høj and Marcel Strauss will be the oldest pros in the Franco-Belge team, averaging 24.1 years of age. The full roster is: Thomas Fothen (23), stagiaire Johannes Fröhlinger (21), Heinrich Haussler (22), Frank Høj (33), stagiaire Niko Keinath (19), Sven Krauss (23), Matthias Russ (22) and Marcel Strauss (30).

Team director Wegmann expects Haussler and Krauss and to in contention for a stage win. "Heinrich got into form at the Vuelta, and Sven shaped up in Poland," he said. "One of them could be victorious out of a breakaway."