"And so it is logical that we will be at the start on Saturday with expectations. We do not fear a lack of competitive rhythm," Roodhooft declares optimistically. "Two years ago he also started his road season in Milan-Sanremo and finished third. After he'd come off of injury and it was only decided on Thursday to let him start as a replacement for the sick Gianni Vermeersch."
With
Tadej Pogacar also present at the first monument of the season though, van der Poel is unlikely to have it all his own way. "It is a very difficult match to win, also for Van der Poel. But fortunately that applies to everyone. So we have a chance," Roodhooft assesses, noting how Pogacar's presence could actually be a positive for his leader. "If riders of that caliber are alone in a peloton, then all the weight of the race falls on them and their team. As soon as two or more real top players are at the start, the race starts and the race becomes much easier in which they can effectively win the race."