"In sprinting only first place counts”- Jasper Philipsen looks back on season of close calls

After an incredible eleven 2nd placed finishes this season, a frustrated Jasper Philipsen is determined to turn those close calls into victories in 2023. “Second is good but not good enough".

Alongside all those near misses, Philipsen did pick up a number of victories including two stages at the Tour de France. “I had two goals this season," the Belgian tells Rouleur. "To win the Tour and to have at least ten victories in total. In the end it became nine, so that was not quite what I was going for.”

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A big boost for Philipsen going into 2023 is the return of his favoured lead-out rider, Jonas Rickaert. After missing most of this year due to a strangulated femoral artery, Philipsen hopes Rickaert's return could be key to improving the quality of lead-outs he receives. "I think we couldn't be really happy with our lead outs this year. That was mainly because the most important link of our train, Jonas Rickaert, was out of circulation for a long time." The 24-year-old said "We tried it with different riders, also because the team doesn't want one specific sprint train to stay flexible. But it is always difficult because everyone still has to learn.”

Whilst Rickaert is returning, Tim Merlier will be leaving Alpecin-Deceuninck. Philipsen doesn't believe this will affect him though, "Maybe for the media, but I'm just doing my own thing. I try to be in as good shape as possible. It's not like Tim's presence would change anything about my form or the opportunities I get within the team."

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