Quietly in the background, Mohoric worked through setbacks toward his beloved Milan-Sanremo: "We've seen it before"

Spring has not been what Matej Mohoric expected. The Slovenian from Bahrain Victorious started strong in the Tour de la Provence but has struggled with his health since the Opening Weekend. Mohoric hopes to be back in his beloved Milan-Sanremo after a short absence. He will be the leader, even though his preparation is not ideal.

"I had a difficult approach to Sanremo this year," Mohoric explains in a press release from his team in the run-up to La Primavera. "I wasn’t at 100% during Opening Weekend and then got sick just before Strade Bianche. Hopefully, I’ve recovered in time for the first Monument of the season."

That doesn't sound very positive, but Mohoric may not have to be at his best to play a role in Sanremo. “This race will always be special for me, having won it in 2022. My goal on Saturday is to focus as if I can fight for the win in the final, like in the last couple of years. Whether that’s possible with my current condition remains to be seen on race day."

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Mohoric won Milan-Sanremo in 2022 after an amazing descent of the Poggio

Bahrain Victorious has a plan B for Milan-Sanremo 

Despite the mediocre preparation, sports director Franco Pellizotti has expressed his confidence in his Slovenian pupil. "Matej has faced a tough few weeks, but his last training sessions have shown that he has recovered well. What he’s missing is racing rhythm, the chance to directly test himself against his rivals."

"But he has already won Sanremo without racing Tirreno-Adriatico or Paris-Nice, which gives him confidence," emphasizes the Italian, who knows that after a beautiful descent of Mohoric in 2022 on the Poggio, he only has to be there... "Matej tried again to make the difference on the descent last year but was caught. Let’s see how it plays out this time."

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Mohoric was already strong in Provence, here on the road with Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

Mohoric can hope, just ask Pogacar

Bahrain Victorious would probably have accepted a role on the sidelines in any other race, but Mohoric is capable of daring feats. "The beauty of this race is its unpredictability. Even a champion like Tadej Pogačar hasn't managed to win it yet, proving how difficult it is. But at the same time, it can also be one of the easiest Monuments to win," said Pellizotti.

The Bahrain team's sports director, Gorazd Stangelj, also confirmed this in Tirreno-Adriatico to IDLProCycling.com. "We would like to be in a better position with him. I cannot say much about his physical complaints, but it was not a high fever or flu—that can happen. He worked hard from home and recovered in time for Sanremo."

"We missed him in Strade Bianche, but he would not have done Paris-Nice or Tirreno-Adriatico anyway," Gorazd continued. "This is obviously not the best preparation, but we have often seen riders return from bone fractures and go on to win immediately. Hopefully, Matej can turn this bad timing around and still get into top form later. Matej is always positive and mentally motivated. He is a true sportsman."

Bram van der Ploeg (Twitter: @BvdPloegg | email: [email protected])     

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