Former pro sees hope for Van der Poel’s rivals after Milan-Sanremo: ‘He showed signs of weakness’

Last year Van der Poel made the difference on the Oude Kwaremont before finishing off a 37-kilometre solo ride. He is once again widely expected to come out on top for Alpecin-Premier Tech, especially with several of the usual favourites absent from the Belgian cobbled Classic. Pedersen, who finished second last year, is one of the few major names lining up against him.

That said, Milan-Sanremo was only Pedersen’s first race since his crash earlier this season. The Dane rode strongly to finish fourth, but he is normally a rider who benefits from a proper block of racing before the Classics begin in earnest. It remains to be seen whether he can be the man to truly challenge Van der Poel this time around. Breschel, now both an analyst and a sports director at EF Education-EasyPost, at least sees reasons for optimism when it comes to his compatriot.

“I think he’s highly motivated, but he also has to stay realistic, because he hasn’t raced for a while and still lacks kilometres in the legs,” Breschel said. Even so, the Dane does believe Pedersen has a real chance of featuring near the front. “The distance may make it difficult for him, but he is so talented that you should never write him off.”

Still, if Pedersen wants a top result, Breschel feels he will have to race differently from the way we usually see him. “He may need to approach the race a bit more defensively than we’re used to from him, but he will definitely have a role to play,” Breschel said with conviction. Even so, the Dane is in no doubt about who starts as the overwhelming favourite.

“I think Van der Poel is going to win. The race suits him perfectly.” Van der Poel has already won the race twice and could complete a hat-trick this year. Still, Breschel felt Milan-Sanremo offered at least a small opening for the opposition. “In Sanremo, he showed signs of weakness, so first we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Dane, however, also kept his assessment grounded. “If he reaches his top level, he’ll simply massacre everyone.” Whether this year’s E3 once again turns into a direct battle between Pedersen and Van der Poel remains to be seen, but Breschel is clearly looking forward to it. “It’s going to be a beautiful day of racing.”