The 38-year old, who has retired last year, is one of the most experienced classics riders in modern cycling, having won both Flanders and Roubaix, and having a combined total of 27 participations between the two. He had high hopes that compatriot
Dylan van Baarle could play out for the victory after last year's second place - and subsequent Paris-Roubaix win - but the Jumbo-Visma rider hasn't recovered from a leg injury which saw him in pain over the cobbles.
"It's a pity that Van Baarle is not there due to his fall in the E3 Saxo Bank Classic, because if he is top, he could have won," Terpstra argues. "He showed that last year with his second place. At Jumbo-Visma, however, they have many other men to play, such as of course Wout van Aert, Christophe Laporte and Tiesj Benoot."
The nation's hopes rely the most on
Mathieu van der Poel, winner of Milano-Sanremo and second at the E3 Saxo Classic. Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, "these are the real specialists, who are explosive on the climbs," the Dutchman continues, before revealing who he thinks will take the victory: "They have the content and a sprint in their legs. Of course I am also very much looking forward to that match. If I put money on it, I would still choose Mathieu."
"They have several strong riders at UAE Emirates and Alpecin-Deceuninck. These three teams will probably start a 'war' with each other, and maybe Soudal Quick-Step can benefit from that," he says of his old team, who will have several cards to play but begin the race as outsiders.
