Lamperti surprised himself with amazing opening months: "Will definitely get my chances in semi-classics"

Third in the Trofeo Ses Salines, second in the Muscat Classic, two second places in the Tour of Oman, and a seventh spot in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Not bad for someone who has only been cycling at the highest level of racing for a few months. "I'm very happy with my form and how this year is going," he says atop Nokereberg. "On the cobblestone sections here in Nokere, I could follow the best guys in the race, and that's something I'm proud of. Overall, you could say that I'm indeed in good shape."

"I did surprise myself a bit with those results," continues the rider from California, who last year won three stages in the Tour of Japan. "It's clear that I've made significant progress in a short time from the Continental to the WorldTour. Milan-San Remo is my first Monument, so I'm curious to see what that will bring (he eventually finished 108th, ed.)".

What else is on Lamperti's agenda? "After Milan-San Remo, I'll return to Belgium for a number of classics," he responds when asked. "I will definitely ride the Classic Brugge-De Panne (on Wednesday, March 20, ed.) and Dwars door Vlaanderen (on Wednesday, March 27, ed.). Other than that, we'll have to wait and see how we fill up my schedule. We're taking things race by race."

So, everything is still being taken race by race for Lamperti. He also tells us that no pressure is being put on him from The Wolfpack yet. "I'm still just a first-year pro, so we shouldn't rush anything. I'm just gaining a lot of experience, and that's always a bonus." Yet, the youngster is a born finisher. And finishers always want to score. "I think I will definitely get my chances in some semi-classics, possibly as the leader," he states when we ask him if he dares to assume leadership every now and then. "As a sprinter or the designated finisher, that is. I've already had that opportunity once. In Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, the guys worked for me. That gave a lot of confidence."