Jasper Philipsen: "Milano-San Remo is a different race now because of Pogacar's dominance"

Tadej Pogacar or Mathieu van der Poel? In the previews for Milan-San Remo, the expectation of a showdown lives on, but don’t forget that two years ago the fast Limburg rider Jasper Philipsen emerged as the winner. With – finally – his first win of the season in Nokere Koerse in the bag, Philipsen is flying to Italy once again to defend his chances.

We don’t say that lightly. The absence of that first victory gesture weighed on the fast man from Alpecin-Premier Tech. More than that, it’s partly why he flew back and forth from Italy, where he was active in Tirreno-Adriatico.

"It also changed my racing behavior a bit," Philipsen admits. "In other years, I raced with an open visor because the course with the cobbles and short climbs lends itself to that. This time in Nokere, I went for the safety of my sprint and rode more defensively. Also because I wasn’t that fresh after Tirreno-Adriatico."

Did it bother you that you hadn’t won yet?
"Of course, you always need to be able to win to find that confirmation. Otherwise, you’re always left with doubts in your head. Luckily, I also have some experience from the past. I roughly know how my body works. Then I realize that I shouldn’t panic at certain tough moments. I had hoped to win earlier, but things don’t always go the way you want or plan."

It’s the ideal dress rehearsal for Milan-San Remo, of course.
"Those two races are hard to compare. For several reasons, it’s not exactly the same race as Nokere. But I did feel that my condition is good. That gives morale for what’s coming. Maybe I was still missing a bit of freshness. But I think by Saturday I’ll have better digested Tirreno-Adriatico. Then I hope to line up in one of my best forms."

You’re one of the few sprinters who still wants to try their luck at Milan-San Remo. Guys like Arnaud De Lie are ruling it out in advance, calling it ‘a lost day.’
"I see it differently. There’s always a chance. Nine times out of ten, it’s indeed a lost day if you look at the result. But then you have the kilometers and that long race in your legs. I also think that for every tiny chance there is, you have to go for it. Milan-San Remo is too important a race to just let slip away."

Fact is: ever since UAE Emirates XRG set their sights on La Primavera, it’s become tougher for riders like you, right?
"Because of Tadej Pogacar’s dominance, I think Milan-San Remo has become a slightly different race. In the past, riders never stood out this much, like he and Mathieu van der Poel do now. The fact that they can really make a difference and attack right from the Cipressa somewhat changes the dynamics of the race."

On the other hand, you were one of the best climbing sprinters in Tirreno-Adriatico.
"I was in good shape in Italy, but following those guys on climbs like the Poggio or Cipressa is another matter. I think they have to let their legs speak, that Mathieu has a very good chance to win again on Saturday. And I’ll try to ride my race from the second line. That means: after the climbs, see which group I’m in and what position we’re ultimately fighting for."