In 2012 Peter Sagan was already third in the Amstel Gold Race. Now the finish is still a little further from the top of the Cauberg, the race seems tailor made for the world champion. But Sagan will not ride Amstel this year, despite his super form.

"The peak was planned for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Then Peter takes a short rest period," Tinkoff-sports director Tristan Hoffman explains to De Telegraaf.

"He picks up racing again in the Tour of California in order to work through Switzerland for the Tour de France."

Hoffman thinks it's a wise decision not now suddenly it to change course. "Especially when you focus on the cobblestone classics, the transition to the hilly classics is very hard."

"Competition is tough as the guys coming from the Basque Country are in great shape. I am convinced that Sagan in the future certainly will be on the Amstel Gold Race startlist."