After yesterdays reconnaissance by the Silence - lotto team, team manager Marc Sergeant announced the roster
for Sundays Paris - Roubaix. Apart from Gork Gardeyn (stomach problems), it is the same team as for Tour of Flanders. Even
if the team failed at Ghent-Wevelgem, Paris-Roubaix will be run with complete confidence.
Leif Hoste is the obvious leader, Greg Van Avermaet being also a protected rider. Greg is not at all nervous before his
second "cobblestones hell", and he hopes to be present in the finale. Leif has done yesterday a 200 kilometres training ride,
and he is full of confidence. Without the technical problems, last Sunday could have been a gear day, and he wants to demonstrate
it this week.
Leif Hoste told Belgian based website sporza.be: I didn't learn a lot during this inspection. This was my sixth reconnaissance
and it was six times the same."
"The most important at this reconnaissance to test our new bikes and things like that," Hoste explained.
Silence - Lotto is still waiting for a big fish this spring and Sunday could be the last chance for
the team. "I don't feel the pressure. Paris Roubaix suits me better as the Tour of Flanders," Hoste said.
"The most important is that I will be able to be with the best. Winning depends on the details," Hoste
said.
Greg van Avermaet is a protected rider as well. The Belgian young gun told sporza.be: "Last year I
was 34th in my first Paris - Roubaix. I hope to be a little bit better this time."
Van Avermaet added: "This race suits me, although I do think the Tour of Flanders suits me better."
Silence - Lotto roster for Paris - Roubaix 2008: Wim, De Vocht, Leif Hoste, Jürgen Roelandts, Roy Sentjens,
Maarten Tjallingii, Greg Van Avermaet, Wim Vansevenant and Johan Vansummeren.
