One more Tour de France appearance for Hincapie
The UCI released the list of teams awarded a ProTour license and Team BMC made the cut. The American registered squad finished the 2010 season ranked in the top 10 of UCI ranked teams. For George Hincapie this means automatic invitation to the spring classics – particularly the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix. The Greenville resident has often stated that winning this French one-day classic is a major goal before his cycling career ends.
This April Hincapie will have the backing of teammates Alessandro Ballan, Manuel Quinziato and Greg Van Avermaet. A possible inclusion to the classics squad could be Taylor Phinney. The 20-year old has won the U-23 version of Paris-Roubaix twice, so he could be very instrumental to Hincapie’s bid for victory.
“This is a testament to all the hard work the riders, managers and staff have put into this team,” three-time U.S. national road champion said. “I am very proud to be part of this organization and look forward to a successful 2011 season.”
With this ProTour license BMC has an invitation to the Grand Tours guaranteeing entry to the Tour de France. If Hincapie races in the 2011 edition he will tie the record for Tour participations (The Netherlands’ Joop Zoetemelk holds the record with riding in 16 Tours de France).
Connect with CCN