“I honestly don't know what to expect" - Jan Tratnik set for Liege-Bastogne-Liege debut

The isn't much the experienced Jan Tratnik hasn't done in his years in the world tour peloton but riding Liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of them. On Sunday that will change however as the Jumbo-Visma takes to the startline in Belgium.

“In recent years Liège-Bastogne-Liège never fit into my schedule. After a long period without competitions I can ride it this year. I look forward to wearing a number again," the 33-year-old Slovenian explains to his team's official websit. “I honestly don't know what to expect. Since this is my first gig, my track knowledge is limited. I hope I can compete with the better riders in the final."

Read also

"If there is one person from whom we can expect a counterweight to Pogacar, it is Evenepoel" - José de Cauwer

The former Giro d'Italia stage winner hasn't raced since Milano-Sanremo on the 18th of March. Tratnik has instead been training hard at a camp in Tenerife. “I am happy with my preparation. Considering the three challenging weeks ahead, everything has gone well," says Tratnik. "But first the focus is on Liège.”

Alongside Tratnik in Liege for Jumbo-Visma will be a strong team that stands an outside chance of upsetting the pre-race favourites of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. Attila Valter, Tiesj Benoot, Tosh van der Sande, Sam Oomen, Gijs Leemreize and Michel Hessmann will be alongside Tratnik in the trademark yellow and black of Jumbo-Visma.

Jumbo-Visma for Liège-Bastogne-Li`ège:

Tiesj Benoot, Michel Hessmann, Gijs Leemreize, Sam Oomen, Jan Tratnik, Attila Valter and Tosh van der Sande.

Read also

PREVIEW | Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2023 - Will Tadej Pogacar conquer the Ardennes triptych or will Remco Evenepoel defend his title?