Cyclist Neilson Powless anticipates the fresh paved segment at the Maryland Cycling Classic to be challenging enough to create gaps between competitors

In the heart of 'Charm City', Baltimore County, preparations are underway for the Maryland Cycling Classic. This year, the route has undergone a change, with a 28.8km (17.9-mile) circuit around Baltimore County replacing the start in Sparks, Maryland.

One of the riders eagerly anticipating the race is Neilson Powless. The American cyclist, who has been in the US for several weeks after completing his sixth consecutive Tour de France, is no stranger to the Maryland Cycling Classic. He has competed in the event for the past two years, securing podium finishes in both editions.

Powless, who won Dwars Door Vlaanderen and GP Gippengen this season, is still chasing a Tour de France win stage win. However, his versatility on the road has been evident, particularly his embrace of cobblestones. His first cobbled classic win came at Dwars Door Vlaanderen this season.

Powless will be racing alongside teammates Colby Simmons, Marijn van den Berg, Darren Rafferty, Alastair MacKellar, and Alex Baudin. Simmons is the only teammate who has competed at the Maryland Cycling Classic before.

The men will complete six laps of the circuit for a total of 172.8km (107.4 miles). Besides Powless, van den Berg will also compete for the EF Education-EasyPost team at the Maryland Cycling Classic 2023.

A UCI women's one-day contest has been added, which will complete four laps earlier on the same day.

Powless has heard about a pavé section in the race, but is unsure what it will look like. He is, however, excited about the prospect of having lots of fans out cheering during the race.

After the Maryland Cycling Classic, Powless plans to compete at the WorldTour races in Canada, Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal, and the fall Classics in Italy. However, he will not participate in the Road World Championships in Rwanda due to his wife's pregnancy.

The Maryland Cycling Classic promises to be an exciting event, with Powless aiming to defend his podium positions and potentially clinch the win. Fans are eagerly waiting to witness the action-packed race in the heart of Baltimore County.

Cyclist Neilson Powless anticipates the fresh paved segment at the Maryland Cycling Classic to be challenging enough to create gaps between competitors