WorldTour Riders on Strade Bianche Chances

Oliver Naesen: “Happy to race Strade Bianche for the first time”

I am very happy to race Stade Bianche for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity. Usually the race takes place the day before Paris-Nice and I just watch it on TV. I have incredible memories of the 2018 edition, when Tiejs Benoot won ahead of Romain Bardet. Sitting in front of my TV, I was super excited, and I would have liked to have been in the race. I’m happy with the way I was able to handle this long break. I was lucky, I was able to train on the roads normally, which means I have 20,000 kilometers on the clock since the beginning of January. With the health crisis in mind, I prepared conscientiously, without the string of races. I have good feelings but there are a lot of uncertainties. For example, I do not know how fit my opponents are, in particular. The racing calendar as it is constructed suits me perfectly even though I know that the coming months will be special and that the situation can still evolve.

Oliver Naesen, AG2R

Diego Ulissi: “It will be unusual racing on the white roads in August”

It will be unusual racing on the white roads in August rather than March but regardless of that I’m sure it will be a beautiful race. It will be a little unpredictable for sure, because it is several months since we last raced, but I know me and my teammates have been preparing well. We are all just really happy and motivated to be pinning on a race number again.

Diego Ulissi, Team UAE

Greg Van Avermaet: “I feel like my shape is where it needs to be”

“Strade Bianche is one of my favorite races so it is special to have this as my first race back. I’ve normally always raced well there so I am hoping to do the same again. I was able to stay motivated throughout lockdown and now after our training camp in Livigno, I feel like my shape is where it needs to be. Of course, the circumstances will be a little different than normal and the heat will be a big factor so I hope I am ready for that. Then I am excited to race Gran Trittico Lombardo. It will be interesting to discover a new race and I think it will suit me well. I’ll enjoy every moment regardless because I can’t wait to race again.”

Greg Van Avermaet, CCC Team