Van Gils enjoys luxury in Milan-Sanremo: "Other riders would love to have my team"

This Saturday is the day of the first monument of the year! Many top riders have their sights set on Milan-Sanremo, and this year, it could just be a special edition because rain is expected. Nevertheless, many predict a battle between Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. But behind them, plenty of other riders want to compete for the win. One is Maxim van Gils, who finished seventh in La Primavera last year. During an online press event, he spoke to IDLProCycling.com.

"I feel good" was how the Belgian began his story, which did not have a trouble-free build-up to the first monument, partly due to illness. "Last week, I looked back at last year's images. It's a shame I don't have an excellent sprint; otherwise, I probably could have done even better last year," the Belgian reflected.

This year, Van Gils, who had previously won the Ruta del Sol, hopes for another top result. "My preparation was not ideal, of course, but I am in good shape. If I had any doubts, I wouldn't have started. I am fairly certain that I will do well, but Milan-Sanremo is always a special race. Especially if it rains on Saturday."

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Van Gils did not have an easy preparation towards Milan-Sanremo

Van Gils heads for Italy well-prepared

"I have been working towards Milan-Sanremo; it's not like I'm now preparing for the Walloon classics," the 25-year-old rider continues. "The plan was to go to the Tour of Catalonia first, but that was short notice, so we focused on Milan-Sanremo. I believe I am good enough to compete for a good final ranking on Saturday."

Van Gils moved to Monaco in January, which gave him every opportunity to explore the final of La Primavera properly. "Normally, I ride up the Cipressa and Poggio extremely fast. I could take it a little easier during my training rides and properly explore the two climbs. I know the important spots better, which could be important for me in the race."

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Van Gils won earlier this year in the Ruta del Sol

Van Gils sees competition getting stronger, but doesn't fear them

The competition in Milan-Sanremo is, of course, getting fiercer. It is not only the punchers or climbers who can win the race but also the better sprinters. Van Gils is not afraid. "If Pogacar or Van der Poel go, I can follow them. The climbs are difficult, but not too difficult for me to expect to have any problems."

However, the Belgian is not only watching the two big favorites but also the other riders. "Ganna and Pedersen are obviously in excellent shape now. They have also shown in previous years that they can compete for the win, so this year, they are also men to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, I will not adjust my own race plan, and I expect the race to unfold the same way as always."

"The preparation has been more or less the same," continues Van Gils, who switched from Lotto to Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe last winter. "I got a different coach, which meant the training sessions leading up to the race differed from last year. But the preparations remain the same, which is often the case with most teams."

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Van Gils rode for Lotto last year, where he already showed great results

"Many other riders would love to be on my team"

Nevertheless, the rider notices that the support - which is logical - is better on his current team than on Lotto. "I think many riders will be jealous of my teammates on Saturday. I have a strong team that can give me a good push on the Cipressa or Poggio. But on the final climb, it will mainly be man against man, and the legs will have to talk."

"It is important for me to be the first over the Poggio and to have an excellent descent. Still, you never know in Milan-San Remo; it's really a big lottery. There's a chance I'll ride to the finish in a small group, but if I want to win, Van der Poel better not be in it, haha." Van Gils concludes his story with a laugh.

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