"It’s chaotic, it’s brutal, but I think it’s something I can be really good at" - Neo-pro Riley Sheehan continues to impress in Classics with 13th place at Tour of Flanders

While American fans looked up mostly to Matteo Jorgenson and Magnus Sheffield at Tour of Flanders, it was neo-pro Riley Sheehan who stepped up and arrived to Oudenaarde in 13th place in the second chasing group behind sole winner Mathieu van der Poel. The surprise Paris-Tours winner from last year talked with GCN about what is it like for him to race the world's biggest one-day events.

"It’s been a bit different, but I’m loving it. I feel like I’m the type of rider who can be used in any type of race. All of these Belgian races here – I love them. It’s chaotic, it’s brutal, but I think it’s something I can be really good at. I love when it’s hectic. The more chaos that happens, the more variables in the equation, that’s what I love."

"It’s been hard to define success in these races, but on these roads just learning them is a massive part of gaining experience," Shehaan said. "I’ve noticed in each race the progression of knowing the roads. But you know, I want to play the game in the finale of these races, so if I’m able to see a progression and be competitive closer and closer to the finish, get closer to the front group, I’d be very satisfied."

"No matter what, the knowledge I'm learning here is super valuable. I finish one race and I’m like 'I can’t wait for next year for when I know how this is going to go on this climb.'"