Peter Sagan missed out on a victory in Milano-Sanremo last year right at the finish line to a surprise winner in a person of Gerald Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka), but the Cannondale leader claims he got over that bitter lesson and it gives him additional motivation to take the spoils in this season’s edition of La Primavera.

"Last year's experience was an important lesson for me - it showed me how unpredictable and hard this Classic can be. For this reason, there is a long list of contenders. I'll be satisfied at the end of the race if I've done whatever is possible to do my best and win," Sagan told Tuttobiciweb.

Exactly like last year, Sagan again will be listed among the main favorites for the victory in the season’s first monument, however, the removal of la Pompeiana climb will not exactly work in his favour as it would be extremely difficult to control the race and keep the pure sprinters in the likes of Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) or John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) at bay.

Despite the route alteration, Slovakian rider remains confident about his chances following satisfying performances earlier this season highlighted by two stage victories in the Tour of Oman and Tirreno-Adriatico and runner-up spot in Strade Bianche.

"I have done what I had to do in order to improve my condition, and the results I achieved make me confident," said Sagan. "Milan-San Remo has always been one of the most important goals of my season. I plan to succeed at this race and ready myself for the next - the upcoming Belgium Classics.”

“The route without Pompeiana climb makes the race different, but I'm not worried. This change effects everyone. To win Milan-San Remo, you need to first to be at your top condition and try to own the race with your team. That is mygoal."

Even though Cannondale’s selection at first glance doesn’t appear to be equally strong as some of the recently announced rosters, in fact it consists of the in-form riders who presented impressive disposition in their most recent race appearances, to mention Damiano Caruso, breakaway specialist Alessandro de Marchi or Marco Marcato.

"Milan-San Remo is one of the thorniest races of the season," explained Cannondale directeur sportif Mario Scirea.

"The team must be focused for the entire day, and we cannot underestimate any race situations or other contenders. We chose riders who will be able to control the race in the beginning, and the others are ready to support Peter. We have all we need for a bold performance and to chase our dream."

Cannondale roster for Milano-Sanremo consists of:

Peter Sagan, Moreno Moser, Damiano Caruso, Maciej Bodnar, Alessandro De Marchi, Oscar Gatto, Marco Marcato and Alan Marangoni