Mads Pedersen a last-minute entry in Milano-Sanremo

Illnesses have affected the plans of several of the world's best riders since the season has started. After some of the big favourites like Julian Alaphilippe and Sonny Colbrelli announced they weren't going to be taking part in Milano-Sanremo, defending champion Jasper Stuyven will also be absent from it, however Trek - Segafredo is bringing in Mads Pedersen as one of the main favourites for the race.

The team was planned to be led by defending champion Jasper Stuyven who took a brilliant win last year with a late attack after the descent off the Poggio. The Belgian - like many other riders - fell ill during Paris-Nice, and will be forced to change his schedule: “Getting sick at this time of the season is a big disappointment. Of course, I was excited to race with the number 1 on my back after winning my first Monument last year."

"I thought I had safely got through Paris-Nice, but obviously I picked something up there. For me, the focus is now on getting healthy before the upcoming cobbled classics," he said.

Despite his great run of form, Pedersen was not selected to the Milano-Sanremo lineup as he's looking to focus in the cobbled classics specifically. However, with Stuyven out of the picture, Trek have brought him last minute to what is the first monument of the season where Pedersen is expected to be one of the main favourites.

“As I said in many interviews last week, it wasn’t the plan for me to race Milan-Sanremo, but sometimes plans change. It’s a late change, but I’m feeling motivated and know that my shape is good. Of course, it’s a big pity for Jasper that he doesn’t get the chance to defend his title, but we will do our best to make it two in a row for the Team," Pedersen said.