Direct Énergie may have a surprise in store for the cobbled classics, with Lilian Calmejane considering participation in the races for the first time this season.
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In an interview published on the team’s Youtube account, the 26-year-old cited Roubaix and Flanders winner Niki Terpstra joining the team as his inspiration.
“I think it’s the right moment,” Calmejane said. “We have a team that’s well-suited to those races, and we have a guy in Niki Terpstra who can be a super teacher. That’s one option.
“The other option is that I rest up and, if we’re lucky enough to get an invite, do Pais Vasco in favour of preparing optimally for the Ardennes Classics – above all Liège-Bastogne-Liège. That’s the question mark at the moment.”
Calmejane has never raced the cobbled classics before, so any potential foray would likely be more of a learning experience and supporting Terpstra. The Frenchman raced Tro-Bro Léon in 2016, but the likes of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders are totally different beasts.
“The cobbled classics are what cycling is all about – they’re truly mythical. They’re races where a lot can happen – honest races, races for workers. I think that term is very much appropriate.
“I like to jostle for position, to be at the front of the race, so I think that, in good condition, they are races that can suit me.
“For sure it’s too pretentious and complicated to say that I’m going to go and target a big result, if I do go this year, but I think they’re races where I can express myself well.”
Calmejane will start his season in early February at the GP la Marseillaise, racing exclusively in France – including Paris-Nice – until Milan-San Remo and then, perhaps, the cobbled classics.