“I think I will certainly get my chances in some semi-classics” - Luke Lamperti takes confidence from strong results but his first professional victory still eludes him

After a strong start to the season for Luke Lamperti, where he was often acting as a leadout man for Paul Magnier, the American rider is still looking for his first professional victory for Soudal Quick-Step, as he has already had a few near-misses in his neo-pro season.

Lamperti finished in third place in his debut race at the Trofeo Ses Salines-Felanitx, as he led Magnier out to victory. He then backed that result up in Oman, as he finished second in the Muscat Classic, before taking two second place finishes at the Tour of Oman and briefly led the race overall for one stage.

In the Classics so far, he finished seventh at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and helped his teammate Tim Merlier to victory at the Danilith Nokere Koerse ahead of making his Monument debut at Milano-Sanremo over the weekend.

In an interview with In de Leiderstrui at the midweek Belgian semi-Classic, Lamperti evaluated his year so far, as he said “I am very happy with my form and how things are going this year. On the cobblestone sections here in Nokere I was able to follow the best guys in the race and that is something I am proud of. In general you can say that I am indeed in good shape”.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Lamperti spoke about potential opportunities, as he stated that “I’m still only a first-year professional, so we shouldn’t rush anything. I’m just gaining a lot of experience and that's always a bonus. I think I will certainly get my chances in some semi-classics, possibly as leader”.

The young American is now scheduled to race both the Classic Brugge-De Panne and Dwars door Vlaanderen, as well as De Brabantse Pijl next month.