"It might be weird, but we both want to win" - Jasper Philipsen determined to outsprint everyone, including compatriot Tim Merlier

Either an excellent choice or a massive tactical mistake. Belgium's selection for home European Championships was a topic to many decisions, but that changes nothing on the fact that Sven Vanthourenhout selected (at least) two spinter leaders for the race in Limburg. And it's clear that neither Tim Merlier nor Jasper Philipsen are going to work for each other, which means that in case of a bunch sprint, there'll be at the very least two light-blue sprint trains.

Philipsen confirms that none of 'I'll sacrifice for my compatriot to help his chances to win' is going to be on the menu on Sunday. The two speedsters are bound by deep rivalry that dates back to their time together at Alpecin-Deceuninck and to top the other in such big race is a massive motivation for the two. "It might be weird that there will be two sprint trains, but we both want to win. It may be that we will sprint against each other, and I think that is more than logical," Philipsen told HLN in a down-to-earth tone.  

Two light blues in a sprint against each other? Is that possible with strong men like Olav Kooij and Jonathan Milan at the start? "I think both Jasper and I will have a sprint train. I'm a different sprinter than him. We won't hinder each other, but we both want the jersey. Then, if Milan wins, he will be the fastest. There will always be some criticism. I think the national coach should get praise. He has shown balls by taking us with him," Merlier said.

"If a Belgian wins, that will indeed be the conclusion. If no Belgian wins, there will be criticism about the selection. We'll both get our chance if it comes to a sprint," Philipsen stressed. "We can sprint with two next to each other. With six is also an option," jokes the Alpecin-Deceuninck man, who won three Tour stages this year.