BORA-hansgrohe is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in the world of cycling, with a bold new strategy aimed at taking on two of the sport’s biggest stars, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, in the prestigious one-day classics. The German-based team, known for its strong presence in the grand tours and stage races, is now setting its sights on the cobbled classics and the spring classics of 2025, ready to challenge the dominance of van der Poel and van Aert, who have long ruled these races.
In an exclusive interview, BORA-hansgrohe’s team leaders shared their vision for the upcoming season, revealing a new focus on the one-day races that will shake up the dynamics in the classics and elevate the team’s standing in these iconic events. With an upgraded roster and a refined approach, BORA is ready to take on the best in the business, including van der Poel, the Dutch powerhouse from Alpecin-Deceuninck, and the Belgian ace from Jumbo-Visma, Wout van Aert.
A New Era for BORA-hansgrohe
BORA-hansgrohe has long been known for its impressive performances in stage races, particularly with riders like Peter Sagan and, more recently, the talented young German rider, Alexander Vlasov. However, the team has made it clear that 2025 will mark a shift in focus, as it aims to challenge for the top spots in the classics. While the team’s foundation remains rooted in stage racing, the increased emphasis on the one-day spring and cobbled classics signifies a new era for BORA-hansgrohe.
The team’s new tactical approach is driven by the belief that they can compete against the best in the sport, including the two dominant forces in modern cycling, Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. These two riders have been at the forefront of the classics for the past few seasons, consistently taking victories and podium finishes in races like Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, and the Amstel Gold Race. The upcoming season will see BORA-hansgrohe make a strong push to challenge their supremacy.
Building the Perfect Classics Team
The key to BORA’s new strategy lies in the development of a dedicated classics squad. The team has already made significant moves to bolster its roster, signing riders with proven experience and strong results in one-day races. The most notable addition is the highly talented Italian rider, Alberto Dainese, who has shown considerable promise in sprint finishes. His ability to contest for podiums in the sprint-heavy classics like Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem will be crucial for BORA’s ambitions.
In addition to Dainese, BORA has secured the services of several riders who specialize in the brutal cobbled classics, where riders like van der Poel and van Aert have often excelled. Riders such as the Belgian classics expert, Nikias Arndt, and the powerful Swiss rider, Michael Schwarzmann, are expected to play key roles in BORA’s tactical approach to races like Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. These riders bring a wealth of experience in the classics, and their support will be critical in protecting the team’s leaders during the challenging sections of the race.
With a mixture of seasoned riders and young talents, BORA is creating a squad that can not only compete with the likes of van der Poel and van Aert, but also rival them in the most demanding and prestigious one-day races of the season.
Strategy: Aggressive and Fearless
BORA-hansgrohe’s new approach to the classics is all about aggression and taking the race to its rivals. As part of their strategy, the team has emphasized the importance of attacking early and taking calculated risks, especially in the most challenging sections of the races. “We want to start attacking them too,” said the team’s sports director, who emphasized the need to apply constant pressure on the big favorites.
The team has made it clear that it won’t wait for the final moments of the race to make its move. Instead, they plan to be proactive, with riders willing to go on the offensive at critical points in the race. Whether it’s attacking on the cobbled climbs or forcing a selection in the key moments, BORA will aim to catch their rivals off guard and make life difficult for the likes of van der Poel and van Aert.
This aggressive mindset is a reflection of the team’s confidence and ambition. With a squad capable of covering all the bases, BORA-hansgrohe is determined to make a statement in 2025 and challenge for podiums in the classics.
The Challenge of Beating van der Poel and van Aert
While BORA-hansgrohe has set its sights on the classics, there’s no denying the challenge that van der Poel and van Aert present. Both riders have proven themselves to be dominant forces in one-day racing, with van der Poel winning Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, and Milan-San Remo, and van Aert securing victories in similar prestigious races. Their versatility, ability to win in different terrains, and unrelenting drive make them the riders to beat.
However, the BORA team believes that it has the strength and tactics to disrupt their dominance. The team’s new riders bring fresh talent and tactical flexibility, which will be crucial in the unpredictable nature of the classics. While van der Poel and van Aert are undoubtedly the favorites, BORA-hansgrohe is ready to provide fierce competition and prove that it can contend for the top step of the podium.
Key Races to Watch in 2025
With the focus on the classics, several key races in the 2025 season will provide the perfect testing ground for BORA-hansgrohe’s new strategy. Paris-Roubaix, known as the “Hell of the North,” will be one of the primary targets for the team, as it’s one of the most coveted and challenging one-day races in the cycling calendar. The Tour of Flanders, another one of the “Monuments,” will also be a key objective for BORA’s new classics team, as the cobbled climbs and unpredictable weather make it one of the most exciting races in the sport.
Milan-San Remo, often referred to as the “Spring Classic,” will be another important race for the team. Known for its long distance and early season importance, this race offers an opportunity for sprinters like Dainese to make a big impact. Additionally, races like Amstel Gold Race and Gent-Wevelgem will be part of BORA’s strategy to target victories across the one-day classics.
A Bold Future
As BORA-hansgrohe prepares for 2025, the team’s ambition and confidence are clear. With a renewed focus on the classics, they are ready to take on the sport’s biggest stars, including van der Poel and van Aert. The combination of a talented roster, aggressive tactics, and the drive to make their mark on the sport will ensure that BORA is a team to watch in the coming season.
Cycling fans around the world are sure to be excited to see how this bold new chapter unfolds for BORA-hansgrohe, as they set their sights on disrupting the dominance of the classics’ giants. The stage is set for an exciting showdown in 2025, and BORA is ready to lead the charge.
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