Jasper Philipsen to defend Milan-San Remo title despite Nokere Koerse crash

Milan-San Remo could have its defending champion on the beginning line, with Jasper Philipsen anticipated to begin on Saturday however his Alpecin-Deceuninck crew warned that the Nokere Koerse crash might have penalties for his efficiency on the race.

Philipsen got here down within the ultimate kilometre at Wednesday’s 1.Professional occasion when there was a contact of wheels mid-bunch as riders positioned for the ultimate dash on the Belgian race the place the 27 year-old was a favorite. Nevertheless, as an alternative of heading to the rostrum on the finish the battered and bruised rider went straight to the ambulance to be checked out earlier than heading to the crew bus.

The crash initially raised a query mark over whether or not the 2024 winner would be capable of line up at Milan-San Remo on Saturday, or must miss racing with the primary on his again on the first Monument of the season. Nevertheless Alpecin-Deceuninck confirmed on Thursday that the Belgian would in reality be on the beginning line regardless of the autumn, which left him with abrasions and stitches.

“He shall be there to defend his title, however whether or not he’ll be at his greatest after the crash in Nokere stays to be seen,” mentioned Alpecin Deceuninck in a publish on social media.

Philipsen, had no time to react when he fell, coming down laborious on to his proper facet. His package was ripped in a variety of locations and there have been wounds seen on his knee thigh, arm and hand.

The defending champion is a high card for his crew if the race comes all the way down to a dash end, although he additionally racing alongside perennial favorite and 2023 race winner Mathieu van der Poel so the crew is definitely not with out choices ought to the accidents show an obstacle on the 289km occasion.

“The crash clearly had a huge effect on my physique,” mentioned Philipsen. “With a number of abrasions and some stitches, it received’t be straightforward, however I need to give it a shot.

“And if I don’t really feel nice within the ultimate, I’ll in fact help the crew.”

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