Peeters and Lotz are favourites for the TryptiqueThe 31st Belgian stage race, the Tryptique Ardennais starts today (Friday). Four Dutch teams will be in Maastricht afor the first stage. In total, there are 162 riders registered for the Ardennen race. The limburg riders Marc Lotz and Jacques Peeters are among the favourites for the final GC.The Dutch teams are Giant, Vredestein, Rabobank and Maaslandster. Jacques Peeters is riding for Giant and is hoping for a good finish. The rider from Echt (Limburg) has already this season come second in the Fleche du Sud and won a criterium in Scheiberg. Along with the Limburgs champion Marc Lotz, Karsten Kroon and Johan Bruinsma are the spearhead for the Rabobank team. The Valkenburger (Lotz) won the Brussel-Opwijk and one stage in the Teleflex-toer. The other Limburg riders are in the Maaslandster team with Frank Akkermans (Maastricht), Jos Lucassen (Margraten), Tim Heemskerk (Brunssum), Mike Kuipers (Valkenburg), Marco de la Haye (Kotem) and Limburgs Under-23 champioen Jan Trommelen. The StagesFriday May 23: Stage 1 Maastricht (Ned) - Malmedy (Belgium) 142 kms Saturday May 24: Stage 2 Remouchaps-Saint-Vith 92 kms Stage 3 Saint-Vith-Spa 82 km Sunday May 25: Stage 4 Theux-Trois Ponts 172.5 kms: |