21-year-old Slovakian favourite trying to avoid the pressure of expectation on a course that suits him perfectly
Peter Sagan has been one of the outstanding riders of the 2011 season. The 21-year-old Slovakian champion has, so far, taken fifteen wins, which started with three stages and the overall title at the Giro di Sardegna back in February, and includes the Tour of Poland and three stages of the Vuelta a España. Yet another victory in Sunday’s GP Industria & Comercio di Prato, confirms the Liquigas-Cannondale as one of the big favourites for victory in the upcoming World championship race, but Sagan is trying to downplay his chances.
“One-day races don’t allow for errors or off-days,” said Sagan. “Very often the favourite fails to express how would and the big race sometimes provide big surprises. To be referred to by many as a possible protagonist is a great pleasure but in my conscience I know that Sunday will be a very difficult challenge. I will fight with all the best riders of which many, like me, will be able to take advantage of the course in the best possible way.
“I believe that we will put on a wonderful spectacle: I can't wait for the race to arrive.”
While Sagan is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in the sport, much of his success can be attributed to Liquigas-Cannondale, the strongest of the Italian teams.
“I managed to get a lot of results and, thanks to the team, I also found conditions to do so,” he said. “When you are well supported and you are on top form, everything is easier.”
This support, that Sagan is so used to for the vast majority of the season, since the Slovakian team will be one-third the size of many of the bigger nations.
“On Sunday, many of my opponents will have a team at their disposal,” he explained. “We in Slovakia are unfortunately only three. I'll have to look after myself a bit but, above all, maintain high concentration for seizing opportunities.
While he will only have two teammates however, they will take the form of HTC-Highroad twins Martin and Peter Velits, the latter of whom has third place in the 2010 Vuelta a España to his credit. During the race, Sagan’s main concern will be to stay out of trouble, then be in a good position at the end for a sprint finish on an uphill straight that will suit him better than most.
“A lot of people say if will be a sprint finish but I wouldn't say so for certain,” he said. “There are a lot of variables that can influence things: the climatic conditions, the possible attacks of a ‘finisseur’.
“You don't want to be found unprepared: the winner will be the one who has the best legs and best head.”
Ordinarily Sagan would undoubtedly be one of the big favourites on a finish such as the one in Copenhagen, but the 21-year-old is trying not to put too much pressure on himself.
“Yes, I can consider it suitable to my characteristics,” he conceded, “but I don't want to think about it too much: I do not want to create my own expectations.”