Kasper Asgreen "can be satisfied with his effort" according to Quick-Step DS

Despite having been infected with Covid-19 in February, Kasper Asgreen has taken up some good form in the month of March and appears to be ready for the monuments that lie ahead. The Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team rider is setting himself up as the leader of the team, putting on a strong performance today.

Team DS Tom Steels has talked through the race today, which saw Asgreen finish in tenth place, last in the chasing group that failed to reel in Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte: “We knew it was going to be a hard race, and things complicated when we lost Mikkel before the start through illness. This meant we had to start in six, but even in these conditions Jannik and Stijn did a great job controlling the breakaway. Things still looked good as we headed to the Paterberg, as we could rely on three riders in the main group, but it all changed when Florian had a flat tire."

"On the other hand, Kasper did a solid race and can be satisfied with his effort. It wasn’t easy, but we don’t have to panic or be afraid, just head with confidence into the next races because we are getting there," he concluded.

Asgreen was active, having answered directly to van Aert's attack on the Taaienberg, and actively being a crucial piece in the chase of the Jumbo-Visma duo which turned unsuccessful. He will refocus on the Tour des Flandres where he'll be attempting to defend his title, and will return to competition this Sunday at Gent-Wevelgem.