"We have already explored the classics together" - Are Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe putting together a classics super team?

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."