Filippo Ganna sacrifices everything to succeed at Classics this spring: "He's leaving aside track as well as the Giro..."

Not strong enough to really compete for the victory at Milano-Sanremo, but Filippo Ganna nevertheless showed tremendous willpower as well as quality to finish on the final podium, just behind Mathieu van der Poel. Maybe in his best shape ever, the Italian dreams of one big Classics victory this spring.

"No, Ganna is not a sand-spreader or a complainer. Tirreno really took its toll on him," says Gazzetta journalist Ciro Scognamiglio. "Ganna rode a great Tirreno, finishing 2nd behind Ayuso. He had no regrets about those efforts. But it did leave him feeling tired."

So far we have seen a strong Ganna, even on his worse days. That can be accounted to a good off-season. "Unlike last year, he was not struck down by flu and other germs this winter. In addition, Ganna is leaving the track (his great love) a bit to the side this year. He still trains on the track sometimes, but is skipping the World Track Cycling Championships in mid-October."

And Ganna will not be admired at the Giro d'Italia either. "The first part of the season is purely about the classics. Then follows a break and the Tour, where he will help the team and wants to go on a stage hunt."

"Milano-Sanremo was his first goal this spring. Paris-Roubaix is ​​that other big goal. Although it will be difficult to beat Van der Poel there," Scognamiglio realizes. For what it's worth, Ganna at least knows how to win in Roubaix from 2016, when won the variant for promises. "Ganna did win the U23 version of Paris-Roubaix and finished 6th among the pros two years ago. But Van der Poel obviously has many more credentials at the Hell of North."

Finally, the weather will play a crucial role for Ganna in Roubaix. Unlike Van der Poel or Van Aert, the Italian prefers to ride on dry conditions. "He likes to race in good weather. In the rain, Van der Poel has an extra advantage with his cyclocross skills."