Velits twins Martin and Peter have bolstered the new look Omega Pharma-Quick Step line up and Martin has commented on the experience with the new team so far. The former HTC-Highroad rider was among the team that was presented to the public yesterday, during a fancy tv talk show style event that was broadcasted live on its website.
Martin is upbeat about the environment within the team, saying that it has motivated all the riders. “It’s very good. We just finished our second training camp and everyone can’t wait for the season to start," he told VeloNation.
He also spoke about the role he will be playing in the team.
“It’s a supporting role, but with plenty of opportunities to show something for myself.”
The one-day race specialist starts his season at the Challenge Mallorca and will hope to be a key player this season in helping brother Peter back to the top spot.
The former world under 23 champion and Vuelta a España podium finisher has been brought onto the team as a general classification rider. He’ll be joined in the team captaincy by other new recruits Levi Leipheimer and world time trial champion Tony Martin.
The team also boasts a familiar face in Tom Boonen who is under pressure to return to winning ways after a few seasons hindered by crashes and injuries.
Boonen has named the three weeks between Milan San Remo and Paris-Roubaix as the first major objective of the season. Martin, who lists Paris-Roubaix as his favourite race, will no doubt be a key factor in the former world champion’s plans.