One day before the start André Greipel, Jürgen Roelandts and Tony Gallopin give their preview of Milan-Sanremo. They all agree, it’s unpredictable.

“Sunday I rode the last sixty kilometres of Milan-Sanremo," Greipel said. "Of course I knew the final already, but it’s always good to see it again before the actual race. In any case it’s a good preparation.

"Every year there are attacks on the Cipressa and Poggio. That will be the same again this year. Last year I survived the Poggio, but because of cramps I didn’t get to participate in the sprint. I know now that I am able to get in the final. Mentally it was important, knowing that I am able to get over the Poggio with the best.

"The finish is closer to the Poggio now, that doesn’t help the sprinters. It will change the tactics. Anyhow, in Milan-Sanremo anything can happen.

“I have never been close to a good result in Milan-Sanremo. I never proved that I am able to win, but I am motivated. It would be great to add this race to my record. I’ll keep trying and challenging myself.

"I have a good condition and the team is strong. It would be fantastic if any rider of Lotto Soudal would get a good result. It also depends on the condition of the day of the race. If that’s fine you can give all you got in the final. I hope I will be up there at the end and can battle for the victory."

 “I don’t think it’s a big disadvantage that I missed the Belgian opening weekend due to illness," Roelandts said. "The most important races of the season are yet to come. When you haven’t been on your bike for eight days, you always have to wait how your level of condition will be. As expected, the first day in Tirreno-Adriatico wasn’t great. The day after I could help Jens Debusschere to get in perfect position for the bunch sprint. Thanks to his victory the atmosphere in the team was good for the entire week, that helps. I finished Tirreno-Adriatico with a very good feeling, that’s important for the classics.

“Milan-Sanremo is a weird race. I want to be good on Sunday and ride the final. Lots can happen from the Poggio on. It’s the first time for me as a rider that the race finishes on the Via Roma. I don’t think it has an influence that the last part to the finish is a bit shorter now. On the Poggio the best riders come to the front anyway. Although punchers have a slightly bigger chance now. Last year I stayed with André after the Poggio, this year I can have a go of my own. I’m looking forward to it.”

“ Last Sunday I was really disappointed after the time trial in Paris-Nice," Gallopin said. "I won’t say I already forgot about it on Monday, but I could put it behind me. I can look back on the Race to the Sun with satisfaction. This week I completely focused on Milan-Sanremo. First I took some rest, because I was tired after Paris-Nice. Then I trained as planned and it all went smoothly.

“Milan-Sanremo is a unique race because of the distance and course. The race has its place in the history of cycling. It’s a prestigious race; one of the five monuments. Of course this race makes me dream and I want to win it.

"I do not immediately think about a solo scenario like in Paris-Nice. You never know what happens in Milan-Sanremo. You have to adapt your plan to the situation in the final. I think it’s an advantage the finish is closer to the Poggio. There is less chance sprinters can get reorganized or that riders bridge to the front. The position after the Poggio will be even more important now.”