'I'm going for a more defensive role' - Jasper Philipsen says his chances are 'very small' for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse

Jasper Philipsen, Alpecin-Deceuninck's sprinter, has publicly downplayed his prospects for Saturday's Milan-San Remo, stating his chances are "very small" and that he will adopt a "more defensive role." Speaking ahead of La Primavera, Philipsen tipped Wout van Aert as a "dark horse" contender, while predicting the widely anticipated Tadej Pogačar-Mathieu van der Poel duel will dominate the race. This marks a significant shift from a rider often considered a strong outside bet for the monument.

This self-assessment from Philipsen is particularly noteworthy given his exceptional form, including a recent win at Milano-Torino and a strong showing at Tirreno-Adriatico. His previous Milan-San Remo performances, including a second-place finish in 2023, underscore his capability on the Via Roma. However, his comments reflect the formidable challenge posed by the current generation's dominant forces, Pogačar and Van der Poel, whose sheer power often negates the traditional sprinter's chances on the Poggio and descent.

Philipsen's pragmatism, while perhaps a touch self-deprecating, is a stark acknowledgment of the current pecking order. In a race where the strongest often dictate terms, even a top-tier sprinter must sometimes accept the role of a supporting actor.