Jasper Philipsen adds Tirreno-Adriatico to race schedule

He was not originally planned for Tirreno-Adriatico (March 9-15), but Jasper Philipsen will start in the Italian stage race on Monday after all. The Belgian is replacing his Australian teammate Kaden Groves, who is struggling with knee problems.

"Unfortunately, Kaden Groves, our designated sprinter in Italy, has to withdraw. He is experiencing knee pain following his crash in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad," Alpecin-Premier Tech reported via social media. "Kaden is back on the bike but will stay out of competition as a precaution for now. His spot will be taken by Jasper Philipsen."

Philipsen will now take on the sprint duties for Alpecin-Premier Tech in the 'Race of the Two Seas', but he is definitely not the only rider to watch. The most prominent name in the lineup is Mathieu van der Poel.

The winner of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad will mainly aim to refine his form ahead of the key spring classics in the coming week, but Van der Poel will also face some punchy stages where he can really shine.

Also worth watching are his younger compatriot Tibor Del Grosso and the talented Belgian Emiel Verstrynge. The squad is completed by Edward Planckaert, Michael Gogl, and Silvan Dillier.