After winning Milano-Sanremo, Jasper Philipsen is on an all-time high. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is a big favourite to win today at Gent - Wevelgem however he aknowledges that Alpecin-Deceuninck have Mathieu van der Poel as an equally good card to play and there are multiple tactics that can be followed.
“Due to the wind and weather conditions, the chance of a sprint is slightly less. But, you often see a large group coming together in Gent - Wevelgem. There is a chance, but I think you have to ride a more attacking race to have a chance here," Philipsen told Wielerflits at the start.
At the Opening Weekend Philipsen didn't show good form in the cobbles, but that has since improved. Taking into consideration last year's second place at Paris-Roubaix, it is feasible to expect the Belgian sprinter to survive the long distances and cobbled sectors relatively well compared to other fast men, but he does not think a sprint is too likely.
"If one of the two of us can win, it is already a great success. The competition is strong. We are doing well and are trying to continue with this flow," Philipsen added. "It is important to keep up with the fans. Then we will see how many riders we have and only then can we make plans.”
In a sprint he would be a big favourite without a doubt, however after his recent win, he doesn't even rule out possibly working for his teammate. "It is also possible that I will sprint for Mathieu today."
"In a race like today, it is important how the legs still feel in the final. It is a difficult race with the weather conditions and three passages over the Kemmelberg.”
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