RIDE LIFE: TEAM BLANCO AT THE CLASSICS

Each year in April, Blanco classics riders like Lars Boom, Sep Vanmarcke and Maarten Tjallingii face the most extreme racing conditions they see all year. Conquering the grueling cobblestone roads at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix requires uncommon strength, endurance, focus and preparation. It also requires bikes and gear that stand up to the most punishing conditions imaginable. This year Blanco riders pushed their Giant Defy Advanced SL bikes to the limit. The result? A flawless execution of the team plan—placing four riders in the top 20 and a podium for Vanmarcke at Paris-Roubaix.