Andre Greipel is confident for Milan-San Remo victory
Andre Greipel of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step had a terrific start to his 2012 campaign. He is now eyeing the Milan-San Remo to take the most out of his form.
While commenting on the Italian race, he told Het Nieuwsblad that it is important “to be at the front when we hit the Poggio, if I don't have any problems getting over the climbs, then I think I can sprint for the win”.
The 29-year-old has filled his bag with six victories in the young season and is looking ahead to capitalise on the fourth Grand Tour race of the year.
Greipel secured his first victory at the Cancer Council Helpline Classic and also claimed three stages at the Tour Down Under and two at the Tour of Oman.
The German sprinter started riding professionally with TEAG Team Köstritzer in 2002 and spent a period of three years with the side.
He also rode for Team Wiesenhof in 2005 and joined Team T-Mobile for the 2006-2010 seasons, before accepting an offer from Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step.
Greipel pulled himself out of the Tirreno-Adriatico to ensure his best form ahead of the Milan-San Remo.
There is no doubt about his tremendous form and is a definite favourite to climb the podium only if he recovers from the fatigue of Tirreno-Adriatico.
Greipel rides safely and does not like taking too many risks unlike many other riders. "I am indeed not a sprinter who pushes and pulls, but is that necessary?" he questioned.
“When I see other guys, sometimes I think they are crazy,” he continued. “If I am pushed toward a barrier, I'm on the brakes and not going for the smallest hole. I would not fall”.
Milan-San Remo is the fourth biggest race of the season scheduled on March 17th. It is the longest one-day cycling race of the season started in 1907.
The cyclists will cover a total distance of 298 kilometres between Milan and Sanremo.
Lucien Petit-Breton succeeded during the first version of the event while the Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx holds the honour of winning it for a maximum number of 7 times.
Australian cyclist Matthew Goss grabbed victory during the most recent edition of the Milan-San Remo.
Only time will tell if Greipel can continue his 2012 winning momentum to claim the overall victory at the Italian race.
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