It has been an extended street again for Jack Haig since he suffered a number of wrist fractures on the cobbled stage of the Tour de France. The crash meant the top of his 2022 season however now he is able to return to a management function for Bahrain Victorious at Paris-Good.
The Australian, who stepped onto the general podium on the 2021 Vuelta a España, first returned to racing on the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista del Sol final month, slotting into eleventh general as he raced in a assist function for teammates Mikel Landa and Santiago Buitrago, who got here second and third. Now, although, it’s time for him to step into the management place once more on the eight stage ‘race to the solar’ as he works his means again into prime racing type forward of the Giro d’Italia.
“We’ve got a robust workforce right here and we’ll attempt to battle almost every single day for a stage win,” mentioned lead sports activities director Enrico Poitschke. “The aim is to complete with Jack on, or near, the rostrum, and to have a great week.”
Haig has lined up at Paris-Good 3 times earlier than, his finest end being fourth general in 2019. The 29-year-old shall be dealing with some hefty competitors this version with Tour de France favourites Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Tadej Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates) among the many names lining up in in La Verrière on Sunday.
“Typically the race has a really robust startlist as at all times, and we begin with two flat phases earlier than a fairly lengthy Staff Time Trial of 32km which shall be crucial for the GC,” mentioned Poitschke in a workforce assertion. “The actual arduous mountains come within the final two phases the place the general podium shall be determined.”
The Bahrain Victorious line up for the race from March 5-12 to will embody Gino Mader, Wout Poels, Kamil Gradek, Filip Maciejuk, Jonathan Milan and Fred Wright.
“We go to Paris-Good with Jack as GC chief. Gino & Wout are there to assist out on the climbs but in addition maybe with the likelihood to battle for a stage win,” Poitschke mentioned. “We’ve got Johnny for the sprints, with prime class helpers Filip & Kamil.
“Fred shall be an asset in each conditions – within the arduous phases but in addition on the flat. After all he’s additionally a man who can go in breakaways and attempt to win a stage from the break.”
