Ultimately the team is taking to the start with Florian Vermeersch and Nils Politt to chase a top result, however both riders benefit more from the flat cobbled sectors and raced based more on pure power, such as Middelkerke – Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix. Meanwhile on the sidelines, Tadej Pogacar was also never scheduled to be in Harelbeke, as his preparation for the cobbled monuments consists solely of training.
“It’s more that Tadej is the best rider in the world and so every time he pins on a number, it all comes easily to him. He’s able to turn up ready for races in situations where other riders might need more racing in their legs or an adaptation period. But Tadej is Tadej, we all know that.”
Pogacar recovering from Milano-Sanremo crash
The Slovenian didn’t suffer any fracture but had a meaningful amount of road rash after crashing near the base of the climb to Cipressa last weekend. However, as was the case at last year’s Strade Bianche, the high-speed fall didn’t look like it was a factor in the Slovenian’s performance or result.
He is also not in pain anymore according to Marcato and he has made a full recovery from it, and is assumed to be training at full speed ahead of the following monuments. “It was a ‘classic’ crash, so to speak, so fortunately there was nothing serious and he’s recovered. He’ll be at his best for Flanders,” the Italian assured.