Silence - Lotto

Lotto has come a long way since its inception in 1985. Back then Patrick Lefevere shared the management duties with Walter Godefroot, while current director sportif, Marc Sergeant, was a rider. Fast forward many transformations, some good, some bad, with the likes of Djamolidine Abdoujaparov, Frank Vandenbroucke, Scott Sunderland and Robbie McEwen all pulling on the team jersey they’ve settled on being a team for both one day and stage races.

Their 2009 line-up looks like one of the strongest yet. Cadel Evans, twice runner-up at the Tour, will lead the charge come July, and he’ll get more support than last year with the signings of Thomas Dekker and good friend Charlie Wegelius – the two rode together at Mapei at the start of their road careers.

The Belgian team have also beefed-up their one day prospects with the signing of Philippe Gilbert, who claimed two of cycling’s biggest races in 2008. On paper, Gilbert, Leif Hoste and Thomas Dekker are an exciting and powerful trio.

The biggest lost is undoubtedly Robbie McEwen, who, although missing out on a stage win at the Tour de France, still chipped in with seven wins in 2008.

Star Riders:

Cadel Evans: After two runner-up spots in the Tour de France, Evans is perhaps Alberto Contador’s biggest challenger come July. The Australian took on a CSC three-pronged attack last year and if it wasn’t for a bad crash and weak team, would have run a lot closer to eventual winner, Carlos Sastre.

Thomas Dekker: There’s no doubting this man’s talent but question marks over his ties with dodgy coaches meant his 2008 season never got going and led to a falling out with his previous team, Rabobank. A new start could be just what’s needed.

One to watch:

Despite an injury hit start to last season Greg Van Avermaet rallied superbly taking a stage in the Vuelta and the points competition to boot. The big question is: Can he fill the gap left by McEwen?