"Remco is the only rider of his team who can win Milano-Sanremo" - Jan Bakelants would have loved to see Remco Evenepoel take on the La Primavera

The first Monument of the year, Milano-Sanremo is already around the corner. World Champion Mathieu van der Poel heading against Tadej Pogacar and the rest of the world should offer a great spectacle on Saturday's afternoon.

Analysts Michel Wuyts and Jan Bakelants from the Wuyts & Vlaeminck podcast think that some riders, who won't be participating, could add even more spice to the race. Such as Remco Evenepoel.

"I sent Remco a message asking him to consider participating," says Bakelants. "And if Patrick Lefevere is listening to this podcast, I would still recommend pushing for it. Soudal - Quick-Step benefits from scoring early in a big race and at the moment Remco is the only one I consider capable of doing so."

A statement that Michel Wuyts fully agrees with. "Sure. You can deviate from your plan every now and then, right? If the season is running but you see an opportunity to score, I would still take it. I still think that Van Aert should have participated."