CLING ON FOR THE SPRINT
Despite being one of the fastest finishers in the world, part of a skillset that has enabled him to win both Ghent-wevelgem (in 2020) Kuurne-brussels-kuurne (in 2021), no one could accuse Mads Pedersen (Lidl-trek) of taking the easy option and clinging on to the back of groups. He’s very accomplished on the cobbles, and last year rode on the front foot by attacking early to finish third at the Tour of Flanders, before following up that result with fourth at Paris-roubaix. If he can hang on just a little longer, he’ll back himself to beat anyone in a sprint.
The fastest sprinter in the world is Jasper Philipsen, and last year he announced himself as a contender for the cobbled Classics by placing second at Paris-roubaix. Expect him to try and cover moves and stay in contention while his Alpecin-deceuninck team-mate Van der Poel attacks, then unleash his killer sprint should he fail to stay away. Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-step) is one of the few men capable of rivalling him in a straight sprint, but he’s only really a contender in the event of a bunch finish – as are most other purer sprinters, from emerging talents Sam Welsford (Bora-hansgrohe) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-trek) to the more experienced Fabio Jakobsen (Dsmfirmenich Postnl), Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-b&b Hotels) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-alula). By contrast, what makes Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-dstny), 2022 Ghentwevelgem winner Biniam Girmay (Intermarché–wanty) and Laurence Pithie (Groupama-fdj) such exciting talents is their ability to both sprint and climb the cobbled bergs well.