Mathieu van der Poel on Pogacar and Sanremo: "That can play a crucial role in UAE's plan to attack with Tadej on the Cipressa"

Tirreno-Adriatico is providing the riders with long stages and several days packed with explosive efforts with hilly profiles. That is proving to be the ideal preparation for Milano-Sanremo and many of the favourites are present. Mathieu van der Poel has discussed the Italian monument, Tadej Pogacar and the Cipressa.

"I think my form is more than good enough. I am satisfied with the preparation I have had. Next week I have to do a bit the same as last year, with some adjustments. Then it should work out," van der Poel said this morning to VTM. "I am very satisfied with this week's performances; I felt quite good uphill as well. Yesterday, without pushing myself too hard, I was able to keep up with the first group for a long time".

Van der Poel has won two stages already, one where he looked the strongest going uphill in the sterrato sector of stage 2; and the other in a sprint finish after a tough stage finale that included explosive climbing. These were to key tests for the Dutchman who has shown to have the ideal form heading into the spring classics, where he is aiming to take victories on the first three monuments.

From what he sees of Jasper Philipsen and Tibor del Grosso (mainly, but not exclusively), the Alpecin-Premier Tech group can head into their main goals of the campaign with confidence. "They are in good shape too. In the classics, we are a team that is often there at the right moments. That has worked in recent years, so I assume it should work out this year too with these riders".

Asked if he is at his best ever leve, the Dutchman replied: "That is always a difficult question. I think I am simply at a good level, but to say that I am in my best form ever... I don't know. But I am certainly satisfied with it". Certainly, he is at a level that may allow him to defend his Milano-Sanremo title next week.

Asked on whether he'd choose a victory in Sanremo or Flanders however he would go with the Belgian monument, where he can be a record holder if he wins within three weeks' time. "I think I would rather win the Tour of Flanders for a fourth time than Sanremo for a third time".

However first in order is Sanremo, where he knows he will have to withstand an UAE push up the Cipressa, likely with Jan Christen and Isaac del Toro this time, and an attack from Tadej Pogacar who recently beat the climb record on a training ride.

"The legs have to be there, but the weather conditions have to be good too. Not necessarily dry or rainy, but especially the wind. That can play a crucial role in UAE's plan to attack with Tadej on the Cipressa," van der Poel responds.

"I think a bit the same as in previous years. Last year Tadej came very close, but the wind needs to be favorable to do it again like last year".