Simon Geschke (Giant-Shimano) is ready for the Ardennes classics. Even if the Freiburger on Wednesday was just outside the podium in Brabantse Pijl, he may be satisfied with his performance and fourth place. "Gilbert and Matthews were in a class of their own in the sprint," Geschke recognized in conversation with Cyclingnews in the superiority of the Belgian and the Australian. 

However, he expressed criticism at the behavior of Tony Gallopin (Lotto Belisol), who clutched by a defect in the team car and was pulled to the front by his car and ended up taking third. "For this he received probably a warning, but was not disqualified," said Geschke, who was happy with his fourth place. " My form is good and I am confident ahead of the Amstel Gold Race."

On Thursday, the 28 -year-old went with his teammates to recon the Amstel route so he could learn it. On Sunday Geschke will then go as one of three equal captains in Maastricht at the start. "Tom Dumoulin, Dries Devenyns and I will have all the freedom," said the all-rounder, who finished in 18th last year. " Tom and Dries as outsiders can go for breakaways to leave me fresh for a sprint. "

Especially with Devenys, Giant - Shimano has more than just a joker in their ranks. The 30- year-old Belgian, who joined from Omega Pharma- Quick Step, has settled at Giant-Shimano and proved himself not only as a precious helper to John Degenkolb, but convinced as co- captain with results. In the Tour of Flanders he was immediately before Degenkolb in fourteenth and Devenyns was eleventh in Brabantse Pijl. " Dries is worth his wait in gold," praised Geschke. "He fits in with us both personality wise and results wise."

Looking at the new route since last year finals to the final round and the finish one kilometer after the Cauberg - where the Amstel Gold Race ended traditionally - Geschke expected a race marked by tactics. "Before, it was clear that the Cauberg sprint decided it. But now to the final round also can unlock previously suspended riders and the target was moved up to the back, the race will be more open. Whether this is good or bad for me, I do not know not exactly," said Geschke, who will not ride Flèche Wallonne and only return to Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Geschke will then make his debut at the Giro d’Italia.   "There are only two more weeks to go, so we have decided that I will get a few days rest after the Amstel Gold Race again," he explained.

Participation in the Tour of Italy means his program is considerably more different than last years was. "I just wanted to try something new and then I decided in consultation with the team that I’d be leader for the Giro. In January, I already entered in the Tour Down Under which is not like me" said Geschke, but he also hopes to return to the Tour de France.

"The team has assured me that the Giro start doesn’t automatically put me out of contention for the Tour. I have firmly stated my desire to ride both Tours.”