Although Sylvain Chavanel was today confirmed as part of the Omega Pharma Quick Step lineup for Saturday’s Milan-Sanremo, a late change by his team has led to him being taken off the roster.
The French champion will be replaced on the team by Matteo Trentin, with bronchitis making Chavanel’s participation impossible.
"This morning I set off on my bike for the long workout for Sanremo” he stated. “After a few hours of working out, though, I started coughing and having the same respiratory problems I was having during Paris Nice.
“In agreement with the team's medical staff we decided to not take any risks in view of the Northern Classics and to observe a few more days of rest.”
Despite his mention of breathing issues, Chavanel finished eighth overall in Paris-Nice. He previously placed ninth in the Tour de San Luis, fifteenth in the Tour of Oman and sixth in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad; performances that show he has been in solid form since the start of the year.
Trentin has also been riding well, netting second on stage four of the Volta ao Algarve plus tenth in both Le Samyn and the Driedaagse van West Vlaanderen.
His place on the team as Chavanel’s replacement was sealed by a good ride in today’s Nokere Koerse, which was won by his team-mate Francesco Chicchi. He performed well for the Italian, and will be required to do the same for team leader Tom Boonen on Saturday.
He’s got slightly mixed feelings about his place on the team. "I'm really sorry for Sylvain and I hope he gets better soon,” he stated. “For me to ride in the Sanremo is a dream come true. I still haven't had the time to get used to the news but I am very happy. I'm going to try to do my best, giving my all for the team."
Boonen finished second overall in 2010, being outsprinted by Oscar Freire. He also took third in 2007. His strong form this year marks him out as one of the big favourites.