As Cannondale Pro Cycling gets ready to begin the week of the Ardennes Classics on Sunday there is little doubt about the identity of the team leader in the Amstel Gold Race.

Having finished in third place in the race last year and going into the race with a record in one day race results since January of three wins and four second places in eight races, Peter Sagan will be the undisputed leader of Cannondale. Moreno Moser and Damiano Caruso will race alongside him to offer support in the finale, while Stefano Agostini, Alessandro De Marchi, Michel Koch, Daniele Ratto and Maciej Paterski will all help along on the route. Prior to the first Ardennes Classic Sagan shared his thoughts on his preparation and main rivals.

“I always said that to be one of the leaders in the Classics season was the first big goal of my season,” affirmed Sagan. “The results I achieved so far are really good and I could think the target is reached. But I don’t want to settle and the Amstel Gold Race is an important race I would like to add. It’s long, hard and you are not allowed to be distracted at any time. Last year I was third and I remember being left with a bitter taste in my mouth. Then I realized that such a result in such a hard race was something important. I understood that the Amstel Gold Race was a Classic suited for me: this will be the starting point of my performance on Sunday to try to win.”

“The victory in Brabantse Pijl on Wednesday was a boost of confidence. I raced first of all to understand the level of my form. It was useful also to see the other contenders in action, Gilbert above all. He was strong and his form is growing, like Rodriguez, Valverde and Gerrans, who will be some of the strongest riders. But I also expect many others to be in the mix. I think the competition will be a key factor during the race, especially in the final phases. Compared to the cobbled Classics, the Amstel is a more open race. And we also have to consider the changes of the route from 2012. The final circuit, the same of the 2012 World Champs, is easier and more advantageous for someone who wants to attack. The management of the race during the last 30 km will be fundamental as well as team support. I know I can count on strong and motivated teammates. Then we’ll also see how other teams will conduct their race. It will be a really tactical finale and any hesitation could be fatal. As usual I don’t want to spend much energy imagining what could happen. I prefer to relax to be ready for Sunday. I know it will be a hard race with strong contenders: it’s enough to push me to race at one hundred percent of my strength,” concluded the Slovak champion.

Starting at 14.30 on Sunday you can follow the action from Amstel Gold Race live here on Cyclingquotes.com