Home rider Tom Dumoulin says he doe not have the shape to challenge for a win in Amstel Gold Race. "I will not be good enough to compete for the win," said the 25 year old Dutchman from Giant-Alpecin on Friday at a press conference in Maastricht.

"My focus is entirely on the Giro. I myself just asked whether the Amstel fits in that preparation, but that still was the case," he clarified. "Currently I'm in a training period and the Brabantse Pijl Wednesday did not disappoint. I had trained  heavily on Tuesday and felt pretty good. Until Sunday I will mostly rest a lot. In the Amstel, I never had the legs to win but I am glad that I can start there.”

Unlike the cobbled races, Dumoulin expects the Ardnnes to be more cagey and less open. "And that disappoints me. Why can the Tour of Flanders be broken up early and the Amstel Gold Race can not? That's hard to explain. For me it would otherwise be good personally. Without super legs it is not possible to playa role in the final. Within our team we have Simon Geschke, Warren Barguil and myself, certainly a strong group. Three riders can top ten.”

A real top favorite Dumoulin does not see. "Since Gilbert a few years ago, there is currently no one. For victory, a dozen guys can do it. Although he did not win Wednesday, I expect a lot from Michael Matthews. He and his teammate Simon Gerrans form a strong tandem. They can both also finish a sprint.”