At the age of 42, Davide Rebellin will be the oldest rider to line up at the start of the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, and one of only two comptetitors, alongside Philippe Gilbert (BMC), who managed to win all three Ardennes classics one season. Even though the CCC Polsat Polkowice captain will not be provided with an opportunity to repeat his respectable achievement, Italian still hopes for a strong showing after he eventually returns to the Dutch one-day race following his suspension ended in 2011.

Apart from winning all three Ardennes classics in 2004 season, Rebellin took two other victories in the Fleche Wallonne in 2007 and 2009, before serving a two-year suspension for testing positive for CERA.

The 42-year old Italian performed strongly earlier this season, finishing third in the Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia, tenth in Clasica de Almeria and seventh in the Brabantse Pijl last Wednesday, what fills the CCC Polsat director Piotr Wadecki with a confidence that his captain is capable of achieving a podium result in the sole Dutch classic. Satisfied with Rebellin’s recent results, Wadecki reportedly offered the classics specialist a contract extension through 2016.

“I think he can make the podium,” CCC Polsat director Piotr Wadecki told L’Equipe on Friday.

“He thinks victory. He’s motivated, he knows he can show his form, and he will play his last card.”

Rebellin will not be provided with an opportunity to repeat his breathtaking success achieved in Ardennes in 2004 season as CCC Polsat received an invitation to participate only in the Dutch episode of the hilly triptych. However, an appearance at the Amstel Gold Race is still a long-awaited opportunity for the Polish Pro Continental team and their captain claims to be highly motivated on the eve of his return.

"I'm still very motivated,” Rebellin said.

“Yes, I’m still happy. It’s a bit strange because I know almost no one in the bunch. Many young riders come to me for advice, they tell me I’m their idol, even colleagues. "