Kasper Asgreen anticipates different kind of Tour of Flanders and primarily points to Tadej Pogacar for that

Kasper Asgreen was the standout performer in the spring of 2021 but struggled to contend for victories in the 2022 and 2023 Monuments. However, the Danish rider from Soudal Quick-Step has regained full confidence after a challenging period, thanks in part to a stage win in the Tour de France, he revealed during an interview with IDLProCycling.com at his team's media day in Calpe.

"Overall, it was a solid season," described the Dane, known for his articulate nature, reflecting on his 2023 performance. "I managed to overcome my injuries and return to my usual form, which was the most crucial aspect. The stage win in the Tour de France felt like the icing on the cake for me, providing a much-needed confidence boost after the challenges I faced since the summer of 2022," shared Asgreen, who has battled fatigue issues for some time.

"This spring, I aim to return to the forefront during the classics," he asserted confidently. "Everyone knows how much I cherish those races. I'll kick off with the Omloop and Kuurne, followed by the Italian campaign featuring Strade, Tirreno, and Sanremo. Then, I'll tackle the Flemish classics, and I also hope to participate in the Amstel Gold Race, although it will depend on how I feel after Flanders and Roubaix leading up to that event. Our post-classics program remains uncertain, partly contingent on the Olympics. We're strategizing the best approach for that race in collaboration with the team. As for the Tour, decisions are still pending," he admitted candidly.

Asgreen on Pogacar's absence: "The finale will still open early in Flanders"

Asgreen, the winner of the 2021 Tour of Flanders, attributed his recent inability to contend for victory in the iconic race to another factor. "Last year's Tour of Flanders was defined by one individual: Tadej Pogacar," he remarked. "The pace he set on the second climb of the Oude Kwaremont dictated the course of the race. Despite everyone anticipating his move, only two riders managed to match his tempo at the time."

However, the 29-year-old rider believes that even without Pogacar, the race will still unfold early. "It has already been announced that he won't be participating this year, so I anticipate a more traditional scenario. The race will still kick off early, but it was the same when I won in 2021. Those lengthy finales are here to stay; they're part of modern cycling. The riders aim to put on a show, and these extended finales contribute to that."

Asgreen is eager to play a leading role in this dynamic. "When I'm in peak form, I can compete with the best riders. Last year, I wasn't at my best as I was still recovering from injury. However, after my victory in the Tour, I feel like I've put that behind me, and now I'm looking forward with optimism. I'm motivated to take on those top riders once again," he confidently looks ahead.

Asgreen states that classic DNA is still present at Soudal Quick-Step

In the potential Tour de France—which is not yet certain—Kasper Asgreen is expected to play a significant role for Remco Evenepoel, just as he pursued his own ambitions last year. "I believe there has been a gradual shift towards becoming a GC team over the past few years, and this has been further solidified with Landa's arrival. The team is well-equipped to support Remco, but we still maintain a strong classic core. While our long list may have shrunk slightly, we have retained enough quality. I don't think it's out of reach to secure victories in prestigious races," remarked Asgreen, expressing his confidence that the Quick Step DNA remains intact.

"There are a lot of new riders in the team, but I'm not sure if it changes anything about my specific role. Many of the guys who guided me through the peloton are no longer here," he mentioned, referring to riders like Dries Devenyns and Tim Declercq. "So maybe I'll have to take on that role a bit more, but that's just a great opportunity. This way, I can give something back to the team after all those successful years."

"It has always been the strength of this team to maintain its identity despite the comings and goings of riders," expressed the seasoned rider. "Some of the riders who have joined us weren't even born when this team was formed. That speaks volumes about the team's identity, as well as the stable staff we work with. There has been a great atmosphere and culture here for a very long time."