Jasper Philipsen starts his season in Portugal: "Always feels like a first exam"

Jasper Philipsen kicks off his cycling season today at the Volta ao Algarve (18-22 February). The Belgian from Alpecin–Deceuninck seems to get an immediate prime sprint opportunity in the opening stage. "The first race day always feels a bit awkward," he told WielerFlits before the start.

"I'm happy to be here and to start my season in Portugal," the speedy rider said to the gathered press. "I’ve been feeling better and better during the winter period. I already have a good level of form, but in a first race, you always have to wait and see how you really feel."

"I’ve just come off a training camp at altitude. From experience, I know it takes a few races after that to find race rhythm and build up to my top level. But that’s also the reason I’m here. We’re starting with a strong sprint train, but the first race day always feels a bit like a first exam. I’m hoping for good legs."

Different approach
"Last year I started my season at the UAE Tour; now it’s Algarve. It’s a slightly different approach, but the terrain here is constantly up and down, so you have to keep pushing. Moreover, the racing in Algarve is always at a pretty high level. We’ll see if it’s a good tune-up race."

Does Philipsen feel stressed on this first race day? "That’s putting it strongly, but the first race always feels a bit strange. It’s been months since the last one, but we’ll quickly get back into it. It’s a great race to see where I stand and whether the winter work has paid off."

Jordi Meeus hopes to win again in Tavira
Philipsen will likely have to contest the expected sprint finish today with his compatriot Jordi Meeus. The Belgian knows what it takes to win in Tavira. "I won here last year and therefore have great memories of the finish. It’s a fairly tricky finale. You have to time it well because it slopes upwards in the last meters."