Argos-Shimano completely dedicated to supporting young sprinter nonetheless.

Placing fifth at last year's Milan-San Remo, John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) was probably looking to claim a place on the podium in the season's longest one-day race on Sunday. The pressure of riding in the cold and torrential weather conditions at Tirreno-Adriatico, however, has led to a reported muscle sprain which might seriously affect his chances at the Milan-San Remo.

"Degenkolb is still suffering pain in his thigh muscles after Tirreno-Adriatico," said team manager Marc Reef to nieuwsblad.be. "That was mainly due to the cold and the long stages. John has been given some good massage and has also trained on the bike. It's not ideal but he remains our leader. Otherwise he is in good shape."

Degenkolb pulled out of Tirreno on Stage 4 from Narni to Prati di Tivo but the team remains devoted to supporting the 24-year-old who won five stages at last year's Vuelta a España.

Should Degenkolb make it over the Poggio with the group of favourites it is probable that he will be isolated and deprived of teammates to support him, but the powerfully built German should be able to manage if his condition improves during the coming days.

"The course is for him. He will have the full support of the rest of the team and will be able to count on them," added Reef.

Cyclingquotes.com will be bringing live updates from Milan-San Remo starting at 14.30 on Sunday.