Roman Kreuziger showed solid form by finishing 8th at Fleche Wallonne and now has set his sights on the Ardennes classic that suits him best: Liege-Bastogne-Liege. The Czech is pleased to have Michael Rogers at his side, with the Australian lining up for his first race after his recent acquittal.

The Tinkoff-Saxo captain is ready to turn on the afterburners in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Roman Kreuziger has shown great shape during the spring season’s one-week races and latest by finishing eighth in Flèche Wallone – a race that the 27-year old rider admits doesn’t suit him. But he starts Sunday’s big Ardennes Classic with the clear goal of securing the victory for him and his teammates. And now with Michael Rogers joining the Tinkoff-Saxo squad he sees his chances as being significantly improved.
 
"As soon as I got the news about Michael’s acquittal, I requested that he joined the team for Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He’s been away from race for quit some time, but he has not missed a single training. I know that having him on the team creates a relaxed atmosphere and he’ll be an important part in helping me during the race. He has a lot of experience and gives me confidence while riding in the peloton," explains Roman Kreuziger after the team presentation, where the fans in attendance gave their standing ovations to the Australian capitaine de route.
 
The Tinkoff-Saxo campaign in the Ardennes has been leading up to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where the race and the route fit the Czech captain better than Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne.
 
"I won Amstel last year and I like the race. Flèche doesn’t suit me with the punchy final on Mur du Huy but I finished eighth which tells me that I’m in good condition before the start Sunday. I have a dedicated team and I’ve been focused on recovering from the two last races. So now I look forward to see how I feel at the start in Liège," concludes Roman Kreuziger. 

“First of all, we’re very happy to have Michael back with us., It’s good for him and of course it’s good for the team with his experience and obviously his powerful riding. His presence will be essential for us in the weeks to come. The goal in Liege is to support Roman in our quest to win the race. The weather can have a huge impact on the outcome and on our race approach and the forecast is constantly changing. We have to play our cards just right as Gilbert, Valverde and Gerrans  probably want to try and keep everything together for a sprint-out but I think the winner could be an outsider this year,” sports director Philippe Mauduit concludes.