February 17, 2022

Oblon Selects Anaqua’s AQX Law Firm Platform to Deliver Enhanced IP Management Services to Clients

Anaqua to provide full-service IP law firm with intellectual asset management solutions

BOSTON, Feb. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, the leading provider of innovation and intellectual property management technology, today announced that leading IP law firm Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, LLP (Oblon) has selected Anaqua’s AQX Law Firm as their exclusive IP management system for both patents and trademarks.

Oblon is one of the largest law firms in the United States focusing exclusively on intellectual property law and the leader, for decades, among all law firms in filing and obtaining the most patents. The firm selected Anaqua for its integrated technology-based solution, AQX Law Firm, coupled with Anaqua’s team of IP experts and consultative approach.

Daniel Pereira, chair of the Chemical Practice Group at Oblon said: “We work with clients in every field of intellectual property law to obtain, manage and enforce their intellectual property rights. It’s essential we have accurate up-to-date information on our clients’ patent and trademark portfolios and the IP landscape of their respective industries. Anaqua’s AQX platform, consultative approach and team of professionals ensure we have this information at our fingertips to serve and advise our clients, efficiently and effectively.”

Recently, Anaqua expanded the AQX Law Firm platform capabilities through the acquisitions of API-based connectivity software provider SeeUnity, leading cost estimation tool Global IP Estimator^®, and tech-enabled foreign filing solution Actio IP. Oblon will have the ability to leverage this fully integrated platform to continue strengthening IP operations and delivering exceptional client service in today’s evolving market.

Bob Romeo, CEO of Anaqua, commented: “We are honored to be selected as the IP management solutions provider for one of the premier firms specializing in intellectual property law. It’s rewarding to see that our commitment to continually enhancing an intelligent platform with integrated services – one that drives increased efficiency and improved data through automation – was a key differentiator to Oblon. Our expanding presence in the law firm space is a testament to this success in delivering integrated capabilities firms rely on to optimize their internal IP operations while helping clients unlock the full value of their IP. We look forward to working alongside Oblon to empower the firm to efficiently deliver all of their clients’ IP management needs.”

About Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. is a premium provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services. Anaqua’s AQX platform combines best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on LinkedIn.

About Oblon
Assisting clients for over 50 years, Oblon is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States. Oblon’s professionals provide a full range of intellectual property services to some of the world’s leading innovators. Oblon is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia within steps of the United States Patent and Trademark Office with an affiliate office in Tokyo, Japan. Visit oblon.com for more information on the firm.

Company Contact:
Amanda Hollis
Associate Director, Communications
Anaqua
617-375-2626
ahollis@Anaqua.com

February 17, 2022

Oblon choisit la plateforme AQX pour cabinets conseils d’Anaqua pour offrir de meilleurs services de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle à ses clients

Anaqua fournit des solutions de gestion d’actifs intellectuels à un cabinet de conseils en propriété intellectuelle

BOSTON, 17 févr. 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, le leader des technologies de gestion de l’innovation et de la propriété intellectuelle, annonce aujourd’hui que le cabinet conseils Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, LLP (Oblon) a choisi AQX Law Firm d’Anaqua comme système exclusif de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle pour les brevets et les marques.

Oblon est l’un des plus grands cabinets conseils aux États-Unis exclusivement dédié au droit de la propriété intellectuelle. Depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années, Oblon est le premier cabinet conseils déposant et obtenant le plus de brevets. Le cabinet a choisi Anaqua pour sa solution technique complète, AQX Law Firm, ainsi que l’expertise de l’équipe de consultants d’Anaqua en matière de PI.

Daniel Pereira, président du Chemical Practice Group chez Oblon, a déclaré : “Nous travaillons avec des clients dans tous les domaines du droit de la propriété intellectuelle pour obtenir, gérer et faire respecter leurs droits de propriété intellectuelle. Il est essentiel que nous ayons des informations précises et à jour sur les portefeuilles de brevets et de marques de nos clients et sur le paysage de la propriété intellectuelle de leurs industries respectives. La plateforme AQX d’Anaqua et son équipe de consultants nous assurent d’avoir ces informations à portée de main pour servir et conseiller nos clients, de manière efficace et concrète.”

Récemment, Anaqua a étendu les capacités de la plateforme AQX Law Firm par l’acquisition du fournisseur SeeUnity qui offre des solutions d’interfacage entre logiciels basé sur l’API, de l’outil d’estimation des coûts Global IP Estimator^®, et de la solution de dépôt à l’étranger Actio IP. Oblon aura la possibilité de s’appuyer sur cette plateforme complète pour continuer à renforcer ses activités de PI et fournir un service client exceptionnel dans un marché en constante évolution.

Bob Romeo, PDG d’Anaqua, a commenté : “Nous sommes honorés d’avoir été sélectionné comme fournisseur de solutions de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle pour l’un des premiers cabinets spécialisés dans le droit de la propriété intellectuelle. C’est gratifiant de voir que notre capacité à intégrer continuellement de nouveaux services dans notre plateforme a été un facteur clé de différenciation pour Oblon. C’est une plateforme intelligente qui permet d’augmenter l’efficacité et d’améliorer la qualité des données grâce à l’automatisation. Notre succès croissant auprès des cabinets conseils prouvre notre capacité à fournir des solutions complètes sur lesquelles les cabinets peuvent compter. Ils peuvent ainsi optimiser leurs opérations internes en matière de propriété intellectuelle, tout en aidant leurs clients à tirer le plein potentiel de leur propriété intellectuelle. Nous sommes impatients de travailler aux côtés d’Oblon pour permettre au cabinet de répondre efficacement à tous les besoins de ses clients en matière de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle.”

A propos d’Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. est un fournisseur de premier plan de solutions et services technologiques intégrés de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle (PI). La plateforme AQX d’Anaqua combine les meilleures pratiques de flux de travail avec des analyses de données et des services technologiques pour créer un environnement intelligent conçu pour définir une stratégie avisée, permettre une meilleure prise de décision et rationaliser les opérations en matière de propriété intellectuelle. Aujourd’hui, près de la moitié des 100 premiers déposants de brevets américains et des marques mondiales, ainsi qu’un nombre croissant de cabinets conseils dans le monde utilisent les solutions Anaqua. Plus d’un million de cadres, d’avocats, de parajuristes, de gestionnaires et d’innovateurs utilisent la plateforme pour leurs besoins de gestion de la PI. Les opérations globales de la société sont basées à Boston, avec des bureaux aux Etats-Unis, en Europe et en Asie. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez consulter le site anaqua.com, ou LinkedIn.

A propos d’Oblon
Assistant ses clients depuis plus de 50 ans, Oblon est l’un des plus grands cabinets conseils spécialisés dans la propriété intellectuelle aux États-Unis. Les professionnels d’Oblon fournissent une gamme complète de services de propriété intellectuelle à certains des plus grands innovateurs du monde. Oblon a son siège à Alexandria, en Virginie, à quelques pas de l’Office des brevets et des marques des États-Unis, et possède un bureau affilié à Tokyo, au Japon. Visitez oblon.com pour plus d’informations sur le cabinet.

Contact :
Amanda Hollis
Associate Director, Communications
Anaqua
+1-617-375-2626
ahollis@Anaqua.com

February 17, 2022

Seegene Announces Q4 and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results

Total sales of 2021 stood at KRW 1.37 trillion, a 22% increase YoY
Q4 Revenue of KRW 410 billion, up 34% QoQ
Operating profit held steady YoY at KRW 666.7 billion despite its tripled strategic investments in R&D
Seegene to make a strategic shift to a ‘molecular diagnostics(MDx) platform company’ and strengthen its product portfolio to meet market demand

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Seegene Inc. (KQ 096530), South Korea’s leading molecular diagnostics company, today announced full-year 2021 financial results that marked an all-time high record with total sales increasing 22% year-over-year (YoY) to KRW 1.37 trillion (approx. US$1.14 billion). Operating profit held steady YoY at KRW 666.7 billion (approx. US$556 million).

Seegene’s record-high sales were supported by growth in both SARS-CoV-2 product sales and its broader molecular diagnostics portfolio. With a subsequent resurgence of COVID-19 cases after the emergence of the Omicron variant in the fourth quarter of 2021, flu cases began to surge as well during the winter season. This had led to an increase in sales of syndromic assays that can simultaneously identify COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in a single test.

As a result, Seegene’s the total sales in Q4 reached KRW 410 billion (approx. US$342 million), exceeding market estimates by 7%. Its operating profit outperformed expectations by 9%, finishing the quarter at KRW 199.9 billion (approx. US$166 million). Since last December, Seegene has exported 2.8 million tests to five European nations, 5.1 million tests to Israel, and another four million tests to Brazil.

In addition, sales of Seegene’s non-COVID products further strengthened in Q4. Sales of non-COVID products including other respiratory, HPV and STI assays increased by 33% YoY, showing a robust growth.

The company’s operating profit of KRW 666.7 billion (approx. US$556 million) remained unchanged YoY, while the company increased strategic investment in R&D and human resources. Seegene executed a KRW 75 billion (approx. US$62.6 million) investment in R&D – a three-fold increase from 2020 – adding talented employees from various fields including biology and Information Technology, doubling the employee count in 2021 to approximately 1,100 global team members. Also Seegene expanded the instrument portfolio of company’s own and began to internalize the production of core raw materials including extraction reagent and oligonucleotide and enzymes.

Because of such strategic investments, Seegene is set to transform its assay development process from manual to digital, empowering biology experts around the world to develop their own diagnostic assays. By doing so, Seegene will expand its product portfolio ranging from COVID related assays to non-COVID assays including plants, food, and animals. Indeed in 2021, Seegene had successfully developed indigenous technologies for assay ingredients and enhanced its PCR instruments which will be the foundation for the company’s platform business. The company has previously announced plans to provide a standardized tool for development as it makes a strategic shift to a molecular diagnostics(MDx) platform company, which is a part of the company’s platform strategy.

“Today, fast, accurate and large-scale testing is becoming unprecedentedly crucial to fight against the ever-changing pandemic landscape. Seegene will continue to introduce the best solution that meets the market demand,” said Thomas Bum-Joon Kim, Seegene Chief Management Officer. “We will support mass-testing at public-use facilities such as airports, schools and stadiums by mobilizing our fully automated MDx system, AIOS and movable laboratory MOBILE STATION along with our new diagnostic tests. In addition, we will put more emphasis on expanding our syndromic assay portfolio as well as non-COVID products such as HPV, STI and other diseases to prepare for the endemic era. Our goal is to establish sustainable growth by continuing to build a solid foundation for our future, while transforming the company into an MDx platform company.”

About Seegene, Inc.

Seegene, Inc. was founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2000 and has subsidiaries in the U.S.A., Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and the Middle East. Seegene, Inc. is an in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) company that has been turning innovative technologies into products through its pioneering R&D activities. Seegene owns its original patent technology including DPO™ (Dual Priming Oligonucleotide) for multiple target amplification; TOCE™ for multiple target detection in a single channel; MuDT™, the world’s first real-time PCR technology that provides individual Ct values for multiple targets in a single channel for quantitative assays.; and mTOCE™ multiplex mutation detection technology. With these cutting-edge molecular diagnostic (MDx) technologies applied to diagnostic kits and other tools, Seegene has enhanced the sensitivity, specificity, and disease-coverage per a test of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to unprecedented levels by providing accurate high-multiplex PCR products that target and detect genes of multiple pathogens simultaneously per each fluorescence channel. This feature dramatically saves testing time and cost. Seegene continues to set new standards in MDx through cutting-edge innovations.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357790/Seegene_logo_Logo.jpg

February 17, 2022

Amii invites the world to AI Week with $100,000 in travel bursaries

Researchers and applied AI experts are invited to explore Edmonton in May 2022

EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In anticipation of AI Week, May 24 – 27, 2022, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) announced the first $100,000 in travel bursaries for emerging researchers and applied artificial intelligence (AI) professionals globally. The Global Talent Bursary program will facilitate upwards of 500 guests to attend AI Week in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. For more information and to apply, head over to www.ai-week.ca/talent-bursaries.

“As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of AI research excellence, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to invite the world to AI Week. The Global Talent Bursary program makes it financially viable for more of our peers, alumni and collaborators to come to the conference. It also provides amazing access to our rich community to plan future endeavours. I hope you’ll apply and come to AI Week to find your next role, learn more about a dynamic research domain, and find collaborators for startup ventures,” says Cam Linke, CEO of Amii.

Global Talent Bursary recipients receive exclusive access to events at AI Week including an Academic Symposium featuring content from Amii’s deep well of world-leading researchers, a VIP Career Mixer and more. In addition, Amii is pleased to offer Global Talent Bursaries for individuals from groups who are typically underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, recent immigrants to Canada and individuals from rural communities. Applications are completed on the basis of self-identification.

Recipients will also enjoy access to a special AI Week lecture from Richard S. Sutton, Chief Scientific Advisor, Fellow and Canada CIFAR AI Chair at Amii. One of the world-leaders in the field of reinforcement learning, Dr. Sutton is a Distinguished Research Scientist at DeepMind and one of the world’s foremost thinkers about AI, the mind and what it means to be intelligent.

“I invite you to join us for four days of workshops, social events, educational events – experts and students, meeting each other and seeing the Edmonton ecosystem. We have travel bursaries available for early-career researchers of all types, and we’re excited to meet people and learn a little bit about AI together,” says Sutton.

The inaugural AI Week presented by Amii is a four-day celebration of Alberta’s 20-year history of excellence in AI and machine learning. The event will run from May 24-27, 2022 in Edmonton with a mix of in-person, hybrid and digital first offerings. With programming for all audiences, the event marks Amii’s 5th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Amii research centre at the University of Alberta. For updates and announcements, join the AI Week Insiders List at www.ai-week.ca.

The celebration will feature a variety of events and programming focused around AI and machine learning. Audiences of all ages will have an opportunity to connect with AI leaders in research and industry, explore the promise and possibilities of the technology and immerse themselves in the science of AI and machine learning. With something for experts and beginners alike, events and activations include:

Keynotes, presentations and informal talks for a range of knowledge levels
Academic symposium highlighting Alberta’s AI research excellence
AI talent mixer connecting job seekers with potential employers
K-12 sessions exploring future careers in AI
Community events series organized by partner organizations
Socials, mixers, networking events, and more

AI Week presented by Amii will take place from May 24 to 27, 2022 at a range of venues across Edmonton. This year will mark the inaugural year of what will become an annual celebration of Alberta’s AI community. Stay up-to-date on announcements and programming by joining the AI Week Insiders List at www.ai-week.ca.

About Amii

One of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Amii (the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is an Alberta-based non-profit institute that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Amii grows AI capabilities through advancing leading-edge research, delivering exceptional educational offerings and providing business advice – all with the goal of building in-house AI capabilities. For more information, visit amii.ca.

Spencer Murray
Communications & Public Relations
t: 587.415.6100 ext. 109 | c: 780.991.7136
spencer.murray@amii.ca

February 17, 2022

Hikvision reveals TandemVu PTZ cameras with PTZ and bullet-camera capabilities in a single unit

With this new camera type, operators can zoom in on details without losing the overview picture, providing the ‘best of both worlds’ for maximum security

HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Hikvision has launched its new TandemVu PTZ camera range, which integrates PTZ and bullet camera capabilities into a single unit. This means that TandemVu PTZ cameras can monitor large areas and zoom in on specific security incidents while maintaining focus on both ‘viewpoints’ simultaneously. These cameras eliminate the need to deploy separate PTZ and bullet cameras in pairs.

Hikvision TandemVu - Big picture and details in one view

Features and benefits of the TandemVu PTZ cameras

The TandemVu technology features Hikvision’s next-generation camera design, integrating multiple lenses in one unit to provide big picture and small details in tandem. The new TandemVu PTZ cameras offer a range of benefits vs. deploying stand-alone PTZ cameras, or pairs of PTZ and bullet cameras mounted together. These include:

1) 100% security coverage with no ‘blind spots’
TandemVu PTZ cameras allow security teams to continue monitoring large areas with no interruptions, while simultaneously zooming in to monitor specific security incidents that occur. This ensures that there are never security blind spots related to PTZ zooming, tilting, or panning.

2) Extraordinary image performance
The cameras provide high-definition imaging with 2 x 4MP lenses and a super-wide view of 180°, with no image distortion (i.e., no curving of the image at the edges). Specifically, its bullet unit features Hikvision’s signature ColorVu technology, which provides crystal-clear, full-color imaging 24/7; while its PTZ unit employs Hikvision DarkFighter technology that enables excellent HD color images down to 0.0005 Lux – ensuring that every security incident is recorded in fine detail.

3) Optimized security based on smart automation
Engineered with intelligent AI, the cameras are able to differentiate between real security threats and innocent moving objects such as falling leaves, heavy rain, or animals moving. They can also differentiate vehicles and people and use smart linkages to check on trespassers as they move within the PTZ coverage, which is extremely useful for perimeter protection applications.

Customers can also rely on TandemVu PTZ cameras for more advanced security, thanks to its leading AI chipset that facilitates massive computing power. This allows more advanced deep learning algorithms available for complex scenarios, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, multi-target-type detection, and others.

4) Highly effective sound and light alarms
TandemVu PTZ cameras incorporate a Live-Guard solution using sound and light alarms that warn would-be trespassers before they enter a site or building. This can help to prevent security incidents, helping organizations to protect their people and assets.

5) PTZ and bullet capabilities in one unit for more efficiency and cost savings
TandemVu PTZ cameras significantly reduce installation, configuration, and maintenance costs vs. separate PTZ and bullet cameras. Procurement costs compared to deploying PTZ and bullet cameras side-by-side is also reduced dramatically. As a result, Hikvision customers can achieve major cost savings with TandemVu.

The new Hikvision TandemVu PTZ cameras

The new offerings are now grouped into two product families that are suitable for different application and scenarios.

Top of the range SF8C series provide two bullet lenses for maximum coverage with 180° panoramic view and imaging quality powered by Hikvision ColorVu technology. They further incorporate top-notch AI algorithms for advanced intelligence. The cameras offer 42x optical zoom capabilities to focus on security incidents close-up. SF8C cameras are suitable for highways, airports, railway stations, city squares, scenic places, and important infrastructure facilities such as power plants.

There are also SE7C series featuring one bullet lens that offers the extraordinary image performance and intelligent functions available with Hikvision ColorVu and AcuSense technologies. The cameras support up to 32x optical zoom, they are ideal for streets, industrial parks, farmland, and parking lots.

Find out more

For more information about the Hikvision TandemVu PTZ camera range and how it can help the organization take the site security to the next level, please visit the website.

About Hikvision

Hikvision is an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. In addition to the security industry, Hikvision extends its reach to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries to achieve its long-term vision. Hikvision products also provide powerful business intelligence for end users, which can enable more efficient operations and greater commercial success. Committed to the utmost quality and safety of its products, Hikvision encourages partners to take advantage of the many cybersecurity resources Hikvision offers, including the Hikvision Cybersecurity Centre. For more information, please visit us at www.hikvision.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1747910/image_1.jpg

February 17, 2022

Syinix’s first brand shop in Kenya is packed with Africa’s first I-Cast TV sold out

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — On February 15, Over 2,000 audiences visited Syinix’s first store in Luthuli, Kenya. “What a surprise! With only five hours of opening, sales reached 313% of our expectation” said Little Sun, Syinix’s Kenya marketing manager. She also said that 32E4M—Africa’s first I-Cast TV is especially welcomed. Stand-up Comedian Mcatricky showed up in this activity as well.

Syinix is a high-end home appliance brand of Transsion which also owns mobile brands Tecno, Infinix and Itel. Syinix has been rooted in Africa for years, and it covers TV, AUDIO, REFRIDGERATOR, WASHING MACHINE, AC, and other home appliances. With localized product and the pursuit of high-quality, Syinix is committed to being the most reliable household appliance brand for African consumers.

With a commitment to “innovation and quality”, Syinix developed a nearly 2000 R&D team and full-coverage after-sell service network. The sold out of TV is the evidence of years of quality precipitation and localized innovation.

The advent of this phenomenon technique* breaks the technological gap between digital TV and smart TV, and successfully replicates the wireless screen projection function that originally only exists on smart TV to digital TV through technical innovation.

In 2022, Syinix will continue to introduce a series of quality and innovative products that African users expect.

The phenomenon technique* means I-Cast technology which has been used in Syinix E51 series TV.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1747960/1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1747961/2.jpg

February 17, 2022

Biniam Ghirmay inspired by Peter Sagan as sprinting career takes off

U23 World Championship silver medallist on track to ride Milan-San Remo and perhaps the Giro d’Italia

The start of Biniam Girmay’s first full season in a WorldTour team at Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Materiaux can be summed up in five words: so far, so very good.

The 21-year-old Eritrean has already won one race – the Trofeo Alcudia in the Mallorca Challenge series – and he starts the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta del Sol with his eyes firmly set on the race’s two flatter stages, but possibly more.

Further down the line, as last year’s U23 World Championship silver medallist tells Cyclingnews, he is hoping to make his debut at Milan-San Remo and perhaps also at the Giro d’Italia. All while trying to follow in the tracks of his cycling idol, Peter Sagan.

While he respectfully says it is too soon to speculate about his chances of achieving similar

results to those of Sagan, Girmay says that if he can race in a similar way, he’d be happy.

“I really like the guy as a racer, and my potential is quite a bit like him. I can climb and I can sprint, so that’s my goal,” Girmay told Cyclingnews before the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol.

Although Girmay is a big fan of the triple world champion, he has never yet managed to cross paths with Sagan.

“I’ve never met him, still haven’t raced alongside him, so hopefully this year we’ll meet face to face. For now I just follow him on Instagram and in the media.”

In the meantime, Girmay is quietly notching up his own moments of glory.

“I’m expecting more than before in 2022, and certainly more than when I joined the team last year and we were in the middle of the season,” he said of his mid-2021 move to Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert

“Everything is prepared very well here, but when you join a WorldTour team” – particularly after a year and a half with a second-division like Delko – “everything is a bit different.

“But for sure I’m expecting more and starting off by winning is a really good beginning. Hopefully I’ll see some results in the bigger races.”

Over the winter, Girmay said he took advantage of the warm weather in Eritrea at that time of year to get in some good training blocks as well as putting more emphasis on gym work.

Meanwhile, he and the Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert team have continued to build a small but effective lead-out train, with riders like former Hungarian National Champion Barnabas Péak helping Girmay in the final kilometres.

“He learned a lot at Delko and took a good step up with us last year and this year we’re hoping he takes another with us,” Steve De Neef, directeur sportif at Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert, tells Cyclingnews.

While it is far too early to begin to think about comparisons with Peter Sagan, De Neef admits there are some similarities in their abilities.

“He can get over the four to five-kilometre long climbs, so a race like the Ruta should suit him. But I think we still have to find out a lot about him as a racer. It’s early days.”

In the sprints, De Geef says the team are working to keep Girmay protected rather than letting him fend for himself as some sprinters prefer to do.

“The speed’s so high nowadays that if you’re out of position it’s really difficult to get back in again. I think everybody needs that support,” he explained.

Girmay earns praise from his director for being willing to pitch in and help other riders on the team when it’s clear that he cannot succeed himself.

The Clásica Jaén was a good example of that, where Girmay, who had never raced on gravel roads before, worked for Loic Vliegen, who went on to finish third behind Alexey Lutsenko (Astana-Qazakstan) and Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal).

“He saw it was too difficult for him so he gave his full support to the other guys,” De Neef told Cyclingnews. “But now [at the Ruta] he’s got some good stage racing for him.”

De Neef says it’s too early to say what kind of role Girmay might play at Milan-San Remo, particularly when the team also will field a former winner in Alexander Kristoff. Furthermore, Kristoff is clearly currently in excellent form, having just won the Clásica de Almería.

While Paris-Nice and the Giro d’Italia are also possibilities, one race stands out for Girmay. He is determined to return to the World Championships after coming so close to winning a world title last year.

“I’m really looking forward to it in Australia and I think I’ll have a good chance, and I’d like to get more experience at it,” Girmay said, keen pull on the rainbow jersey that a certain Peter Sagan held for three straight years.

Source: Dehai Eritrea Online