"We have already explored the classics together" - Are Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe putting together a classics super team?
Cycling
Laurence Pithie is set to make his Milano-Sanremo debut this
weekend, and the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe rider is being tipped for a strong
showing after a breakthrough 2024 season. Speaking to In De Leiderstrui,
Pithie's teammate Tim van Dijke and team manager Enrico Gasparotto shared their
thoughts on the New Zealander’s progress and expectations for the spring.
"He's fine. Hopefully, he can start with his best legs
in Sanremo," Van Dijke said ahead of the race. While Van Dijke himself
will not be lining up at Milano-Sanremo, he will see Pithie later in the Classic
Brugge-De Panne, where the team’s core classics group will race together for
the first time.
That process of adaptation has already begun, according to
Gasparotto. "They have already done some reconnaissance together, so that
has already helped in the mutual understanding," he explained. "We
are not only discovering now that Laurence is good, he rode an impressively
consistent spring last year. He has a lot of talent, and he is ready to race
after an altitude training camp, for sure."
For Van Dijke, there is still an adjustment period to go
through as the team integrates its new riders into its classics squad, but he
has no doubts about Pithie’s ability to fit in. "It's true that we haven't
seen each other much yet, so it will take time to get used to each other,"
he said.
"That will work out in the end, I have every confidence
in that. It is very important for the classics that there is a good atmosphere,
and Laurence certainly fits in there. We have already explored the classics
together."
Looking ahead, Van Dijke acknowledged the ability of riders
like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, but he believes his team is well equipped
to challenge them in the races to come. "Every race will be better. Of
course, there are Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, who are on a
different level, but the only way to challenge them is to have an advantage.
With the guys we have now, we can play a role."
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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