Predictor-Lotto big man (1.96 meters!)Bert Roesems of Belgium is the subject of this weeks Pro-File. Bert began his professional career in 1997 with the Belgian Vlanderen squad. 2 years later he raced for Tönissteiner-Landbouwkrediet, which became Landbouwkrediet-Colnago and after stints with a few other teams he joined Davitamon-Lotto in 2005.
No stranger to the podium, Bert has won 24 races in his professional career, most notably the Belgain Nat'l TT championship in '04 and the 2006 Nokere Koerse, which he won in impressive fasion.
Bert would best be described as a time trialist, however he is capable of winning road races as well.
Predictor Lotto will be relying on his ability to work for Robbie McEwen and Cadel Evans in the Giro and Tour as well as challenge for podiums in other smaller stage races himself.
On a personal note, Bert is a tech weenie and he is one of the primary testers of Campy's electronic shifters/derailleurs. He is a nut for Flemish Pancakes and Bert, Floyd and I share a birthday (9 and 12 years apart though..). With the departure of Steegmans and Van Petegem from Predictor-Lotto and the continued growth of Cadel Evans into a GT champ, look for Bert's responsibilties to increase with his team.