"I think a lot of riders may have lost their best legs there" - Jasper Philipsen believes skipping Paris-Nice + Tirreno-Adriatico has boosted Milano-Sanremo hopes

Later this afternoon, Jasper Philipsen makes his last stop on the road to defending his title at Milano-Sanremo as the Belgian heads up the list of favourites at Nokere Koerse. After skipping both Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico last week and opting for a training camp instead, Philipsen is confident he can produce his best level when it really matters.

"It was a good combination last year. Let’s hope it is the same again this year," Philipsen says in a pre-Nokere Koerse interview with Wielerflits, having finished on the podium twelve months ago, before of course going on to take Monument victory at Milano-Sanremo a few days after. "I think it is nice to get some competitive feeling after a training camp, to ride a nice race and to compete for the win.”

As mentioned, Philipsen opted against competing in one of the all-star stage races last week, instead opting to try and build up his level via a training camp in Spain. “In hindsight, it certainly wasn’t a bad choice, considering the weather conditions in Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice," he reflects positively. “In Spain the weather wasn’t great either, but it’s certainly better than having to ride 240 kilometres in the rain. I think a lot of riders may have lost their best legs there.”

"It's a good combination that we've chosen now," continues the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader. "Last year I had Tirreno-Adriatico in my legs and I felt very good. This year it's a bit different. We'll see."

Another thing that is a bit different this year, is the actual course of Nokere Koerse. In particular, the iconic finish of the race has been adapted in an attempt to improve rider safety. “I don’t really like the old finish. I think it’s no secret that the uphill finish, with cobblestones, doesn’t suit me best. I like this finish a bit more," Philipsen assesses. "It’s a fair finish, but timing is important against guys like Arnaud De Lie.”