Decathlon CMA CGM target podium finish in Milano-Sanremo with a very strong line-up

Decathlon have enjoyed an outstanding start to the spring. In Opening Weekend, Andresen finished in the top ten twice, having already won the Cadel Evans Road Race and a stage at the Tour Down Under earlier in the season. The Dane then added another victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, where he won a stage in convincing fashion. And that is without even mentioning the team’s excellent display in Strade Bianche, where Paul Seixas, Jordan Labrosse and Paul Lapeira all finished inside the top 15.

The French squad have clearly found their momentum this season and will now hope to turn that into a major result in the first Monument of the year. Sports director Mark Renshaw made the team’s ambition crystal clear. “We are coming to Milano-Sanremo with enthusiasm and ambition. Our goal is to finish in the top five, but we are aiming for a podium place.” To back up that ambition, the French formation have put together a very strong line-up on paper.

It all starts with Andresen, the team’s man of the moment. The Danish sprinter has already taken three wins this season and is also more than capable of handling a climb. The 23-year-old will make his debut in La Primavera this year, but he is expected to be the spearhead of the French team’s hunt for a podium result. Andresen will have his regular lead-out man Tord Gudmestad alongside him.

The team will also count on Jordan Labrosse and Paul Lapeira, both of whom made a strong impression at Strade Bianche. Lapeira has also already won this season, taking victory at the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes. With Oliver Naesen in the squad, Decathlon CMA CGM also bring a rider with plenty of experience. The Belgian previously finished second in Milano-Sanremo and is preparing for his eighth appearance in the race. French riders Pierre Gautherat and Noa Isidore complete the selection.