Peter Sagan’s exit from the Vuelta a Espana has left many people doubting his ability to win the Rainbow Jersey in Ponferrada later this month.

But his Cannondale sports director Mario Scirea was fairly confident that the Slovak would be able to challenge the likes of Degenkolb and Demare.

“Peter is so good, he is a favorite in every race he starts, even when he is not in the best condition,” Scirea said. “He clearly came here not in top form, but he’s been getting better and better every day.”

He hasn’t looked on the pace of other sprinters like John Degenkolb and Nacer Bouhanni at the race in the bunch kicks, and failed to feature on any of the days that usually suit him.

“Peter’s big problem for the worlds is that he has a small team,” said Scirea, referring to Slovakia’s three starters. “He won’t have a team to control the race or to support him, like Germany or Spain. So he has to ride a smart race. What he should do is pretend to be a member of another team, take advantage of their work, and try to win in a sprint. He obviously cannot follow moves or attacks.”

The course in Ponferrada does suit him, with 2 relatively easy climbs that will gently reduce the bunch to give Sagan a small enough group to win from. However, winning may be out of the question unless the Slovak can find top form soon.

“The route in Ponferrada is perfect for Sagan, but there are others who are also looking strong,” Scirea said. “[Fabian] Cancellara is looking very good. And riders like Degenkolb. I see a small group coming in, and for Sagan, that is perfect.”

Other men using the Vuelta as Worlds prep like Gilbert, Boonen and Cancellara are all expected to ride until at least the third week.