Mathieu van der Poel admits he will "need some luck to win" Milano-Sanremo

After a somewhat underwhelming performance, by his lofty standards, at Tirreno-Adriatico, Alpecin-Deceuninck's Mathieu van der Poel is playing down his chances of victory at Milano-Sanremo.

“I already had my focus on Milan-San Remo before this Tirreno,” the reigning cyclocross world champion told Eurosport. “It was a tough racing week. I hope that gives my form the one push I need to compete for a win in San Remo. Everyone will have doubts about his form, but I did everything I could and I am healthy. I can't change it now either. You also need some luck to win in San Remo.”

Although van der Poel may have ridden Tirreno-Adriatico out of the spotlight and in support of his teammates, Alpecin-Deceuninck still had a great race. “I am very happy with the team,” said Van der Poel. “The fact that we have two victories here is very nice. I get pleasure from doing a lead-out, and if the sprinter finishes it then it makes it more beautiful. Luckily I was able to ride my own lead-out. It is also good for me to go deep in the final, especially with what is to come.”