John Degenkolb will be the undisputed leader of Argos-Shimano in Milano-Sanremo on Sunday, despite suffering from a thigh problem in Tirreno-Adriatico last week. The German fastman finished fifth in last year’s edition of la Classicissima di Primavera, as part of an eight-man group that finished just two seconds behind the race for the podium places; as a sprinter that’s known for being able to get over the climbs, the 24-year-old is hoping for even better this time.
“I am really looking forward to this race, as it is one of the Monuments in cycling and one of my main goals this season,” said Degenkolb. “I am feeling really good at the moment.
“I was disappointed to pull out of Tirreno-Adriatico after some good racing, but it was the right decision to let the muscle recover,” he explained. “I am counting on my experience from last year, where I proved capable of playing a role in the finale, and we have a strong lineup with riders who showed last week that they’re in good shape.”
Having apparently recovered from his thigh problem, Degenkolb will have the combined strength of his Argos-Shimano teammates behind him in the 298km race, as directeur sportif Marc Reef explained.
“The course suits him and he will be fully supported by the team,” said Reef. “John had a knot in his right thigh muscle because of the cold and the long distances. He had some good massage treatments and did his training on the bike.
“It is not the most ideal situation, but he will remain our leader, as he is in good form.”
Argos-Shimano team for Milano-Sanremo (March 17th)
Roy Curvers, John Degenkolb, Tom Dumoulin, Johannes Fröhlinger, Simon Geschke, Cheng Ji, Koen de Kort, Matthieu Sprick