"You can go to Glasgow as a sprinter" - Fabio Jakobsen eyes possible World Championships win

Fabio Jakobsen has revealed his calendar for the opening months of the season today in Belgium at the Soudal - Quick-Step presentation, however his main goal continue to be the Tour de France... and the World Championships?

“I now hope that I am a year stronger. Secretly dreaming of races like Gent-Wevelgem, De Panne and Milan-San Remo," Jakobsen told reporters. "Last year I was already very good at the start of the season, but I got sick after Paris-Nice. Maybe I'll try to postpone that peak of form a bit towards Gent-Wevelgem, but I think I should be able to handle that race."

Despite being a pure sprinter, the Belgian team provides perfect support for Jakobsen to be able to succeed in the spring classics. He will eye races such as Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne and Gent-Wevelgem, whilst starting his season at the upcoming Vuelta a San Juan.

“Obviously I am aiming for the Tour again," Jakobsen continued, trying to continue his success of 2022 where he took a stage win on his debut. "I have to make sure I'm good enough to start there. Here we go for a stage win. Tim's planning is also moving towards the Tour. We are both top sprinters. Patrick Lefevere will say the best goes. And I hope I am.”

However Jakobsen revealed another possible goal: “The World championships is something to keep an eye on this year,” he adds. “It is something every rider dreams of. This year it won't get in the way of my season build-up. I'm aiming for the Tour again and the World Championships is just after that. If you recover reasonably well from the Tour, you can go to Glasgow as a sprinter."

The urban circuit in Glasgow will be suited to the classics riders, however it lacks any serious climb, which could see Jakobsen hang around and be within a shot of the rainbow jersey, on top of the current European Champion's jersey.

"Did I already call Koos Moerenhout? [Belgian national team coach] I have spoken to him a number of times, yes. We did well at the last European Championship with a good team. Koos played his part in that.”