Despite being a climber, Jakob Fuglsang of Astana will ride his first Tour of Flanders today. The Dane is having a season of experimentation, trying new races.

“I wanted to try something new. If you never try, you never know if it suits you,” Fulgsang told VeloNews. “The cobbles aren’t so difficult, it’s the big fight for position that is the big difference. Guys here are more willing to risk everything, because it’s all or nothing in a one-day race.”

He was already eleventh in his Strade Bianche debut and will ride his first Giro with Astana at 31, where he will co-lead with Nibali. But a Paris-Roubaix debut will not be forthcoming this season.

“It’s going to be difficult for me in Flanders,” he admitted. “I did Strade Bianche for the first time [he was 11th]. I was able to be close to the front. I missed a little bit, but I hope I can be there on Sunday. Otherwise, I will help the team. Lars Boom is showing good condition.”