DFL-Cyclingnews: Preparing for Het Volk

Team DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed hit the road for a training ride yesterday ahead of this weekend's Omloop Het Volk race in Belgium. With DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed riders Gert Vanderaerden and Hamish Haynes sidelined due to injury and final team rosters requiring confirmation three days prior to the event, a high priority of the day was to decide on replacements for the pair.

Director sportif Eric Vanderaerden left the team's house in Booischot with riders Evan Oliphant, Matti Helminen, Cameron Jennings, Kane Oakley, Dave Harrigan, Rhys Pollock, Dan Fleeman, Bernie Sulzberger and Jeremy Vennell to meet Robbie Meul and Nico Mattan in Kluisbergen. Starting out in Kluisbergen allowed Vanderaerden the opportunity to give his squad a firsthand view of the climbs and cobblestone sections of the Omloop Het Volk course.

The DFL-Cyclingnews-Litespeed squad took advantage of its highly experienced new signing of Nico Mattan on the ride. Mattan, a former Davitamon-Lotto rider, shared his knowledge with the squad's younger riders throughout the ride, ensuring they know what to expect and look out for this weekend.

British neo pro Dan Fleeman said after the ride that Mattan's experience and advice was helpful in boosting his confidence level ahead of this weekend's race.

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