Fabio Jakobsen dismisses internal rivalry with Tim Merlier: "In any case, you need two strong sprinters in a team"

Fabio Jakobsen always seemed to be destined for greatness, he was securing some good results, building a nice career until he suffered an horrible crash. The crash almost cost his life, but not only didn't cost it, his career continues to flourish as he was the sprinter with the most victories in 2022. Belgian champion Tim Merlier will be teaming up with him in 2023.

"Do I think I'm the best sprinter in the world? Certainly, I'm the one who won the most in 2022.I want to continue winning as much as possible, preferably top-level races. In the spring I'm mainly aiming for Brugge-De Panne and Gent-Wevelgem. And then I'd like to tackle Paris-Roubaix one day: I think it's the only race where I can be useful to my teammates and where I can give them something in return for the work they do for me during the year", said the Dutchmen to Het Nieuwsblad.

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"You can go to Glasgow as a sprinter" - Fabio Jakobsen eyes possible World Championships win

He wants to start well the season and achieve some good results during the first half of it, but his main goals will be later in the season has he wants to be in the Tour de France a race where he desires to have more wins. He also as the World Championships in his mind.

"Definitely the Tour de France 2023, even if in this team the selection is made a week and a half before the start. Then, Patrick Lefevere said that who will be the number 1 sprinter and who the number 2 in the team will be decided based on the results of this spring. I definitely have the Tour on my agenda: but I'm not one of those who bangs his fists on the table and claims to be the sole captain", said Jakobsen that this season will have the company of Tim Merlier.

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"In sprinting only first place counts”- Jasper Philipsen looks back on season of close calls

Tim Merlier was Soudal Quick-Step biggest sign of the season. The ex Alpecin-Deceunick rider signed for 3 seasons and will be another great option for the sprint, giving some internal concurrence to Fabio Jakobsen.

Speaking about his new teammate Jakobsen doesn't see any problem in having him on the team, "How are my relations with Merlier? Good. I get along very well with Bert van Lerberghe, who is his best friend. In any case, you need two strong sprinters in a team", he commented.

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Fabio Jakobsen starts season at Vuelta a San Juan and targets wins at cobbled classics

I will start the season at the Vuelta a San Juan 2023 but I see this period as three weeks of training in good weather conditions. It is an investment for the spring. Will do Tirreno-Adriatico then, after that race, I'm on the list for practically all the spring races, but the team has not yet been selected for that period. Milan-San Remo 2023? Yes, I'm on the long list for that too. Last year was terrible: I raced my best values, but they still pulled me off. In case I'll be at the start, I hope to be stronger this year: it's a dream finish", concluded Jakobsen about the rest of his season program.

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Lefevere declares Soudal-Quick-Step "can all be proud" after "a fantastic and memorable year"