"I'm not expecting a miracle" - Benoit Cosnefroy doubts chances of Liege-Bastogne-Liege victory

AG2R Citroen Team's Benoit Cosnefroy has played down his chances of taking victory at Liege-Bastogne-Liege revealing his belief that he is "not expecting a miracle."

"I hope to be able to do something in the race to challenge, but in terms of pure result I won't have a figure in mind, especially when you see the competition with Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar in particular," the 27-year-old reveals fresh off a recovery from Bronchitis.

"In front of the TV, we love it. But unfortunately, the scenario is often the same," AG2R Citroen Team's leader continues. With the highlight of Cosnefroy's season so far being a podium finish at Brabantse Pijl behind his teammate and race winner Dorian Godon, Cosnefroy's recent weeks have been hampered by his Bronchitis diagnosis.

"There is no breakaway that will ride to the end, there is no anticipation that pays off. The reality is that for almost all riders, a second place behind Tadej is already a victory. This becomes sad," he laments. "Some riders, it undermines them. I don't, but I'm happy when someone else wins. I don't necessarily like that imperialist side. No one is superhuman, so I still believe it's possible to beat the best. It may be a mistake, but I still have hope that there is a racing scenario, a failure of Tadej or another."