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Annie Ewart saddles up with UnitedHealthcare for 2016’s Spring Classics, launching European campaign

On Saturday, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the beginning of a European campaign for the women's squad.

Image: UHC Pro Cycling/Twitter
Image: UHC Pro Cycling/Twitter

Along with the other Canadian riders heading to the start lines of Flanders to kick off Spring Classics, the Canuck talent on UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team will also be getting a taste of Belgium’s cobblestones this weekend.

On Saturday, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the beginning of a European campaign for the women’s squad.

Between Feb. 27 and early April, the team will race 10 prestigious UCI and Women’s WorldTour events, beginning with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Omloop van Het Hageland this weekend and concluding with Energiewacht Tour, happening in the Netherlands from April 6 to 10. Annie Ewart, who rolls out with the UHC Blue Train in 2016 after competing in Optum colours, will be among the Canadian athletes setting their early season’s tempo at the Spring Classics.

Rachel Heal, who will guide the squad’s European campaign as sporting director, sees the high-energy competition that kicks off this weekend in Belgium as an opportunity for her athletes.

“We are taking the team to Europe for a good concentrated period of racing,” she said. “The style of racing is very different to what we are used to in the U.S. and although some of the riders have experience in these races, for others it will be the first time they have experienced it. Being able to race week in, week out will give the girls plenty of opportunity to learn this different style of racing, and find their feet in the European peloton.”

Joining Ewart are teammates Katie Hall, Abby Mickey, Diana Penuela, Coryn Rivera, Hayley Simmonds, Iris Slappendel and Linda Villumsen.

Women’s 2016 European Campaign: UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

  • Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Belgium (UCI 1.1., Feb. 27)
  • Omloop van Het Hageland, Belgium (UCI 1.1, Feb. 28)
  • Le Samyn, Belgium (UCI 1.2, March 2)
  • Ronde van Drendthe, Netherlands (WWT, March 12)
  • Drentse Acht van Westerveld, Netherlands (UCI 1.2, March 13)
  • Trofeo Alfredo Binda, Italy (WWT, March 20)
  • Gent Wevelgem, Belgium (WWT, March 27)
  • Pajot Hills Classic, Belgium (UCI 1.2, March 30)
  • Ronde van Vlaanderen, Belgium (WWT, April 3)
  • Energiewacht Tour, Netherlands (UCI 2.2, April 6-10)