Paris-Roubaix, Marco Bandiera: «Everything for Heinrich Haussler»

Cold temperatures barely cresting 4° Celsius combined with a strong wind did not stop the eight intrepid members of the IAM Cycling squad set to race Paris-Roubaix this coming Sunday from heading out for more training reconnaissance of the course.

Instead of retracing their steps over the cobbled sections, though, the IAM Cycling team led by Eddy Seigneur and Marcello Albasini spent a good hour and a half opening up their legs around the Cambrai area before rejoining the rest of the team in Senlis.  These final moments of team strategizing will form the basis of their campaign, as confirmed by Marco Bandiera (28 years old):

“Everything will be focused to help Heinrich Haussler.”

Marco added:

“I am going to be doing my fifth Paris-Roubaix, and I am very happy to be at the service of such a strong rider like Heino.  I always dreamed of this classic when I would watch it on television as a child.  I was a huge fan of Tafi and his exploits. 

There is a pavé tradition in Italy even if we don’t have many chances to ride over them.  But I have raced in many of the Belgian classics, having taken 6^th place at Het Nieuwsblad this year, and continue to learn the art of riding over the cobbles and in harsh conditions.  Sunday during the Hell of the North, I will be focused on helping Heinrich, and maybe I’ll even have the opportunity to join a break early so I can be near the front of the race, to be there when Heino may need me.”