Speaking at a pre-race press conference, Greg Van Avermaet says he is ready for all outcomes at Milan-Sanremo, saying this is the best chance he has of winning the race.

“There are 1000 different scenarios for Milan-San Remo. Everyone has a different strategy. You can prepare your move but I think you’ve also got to wait for the race,” the Belgian said to Cyclingnews.

“I like to make decisions in the race and so will see how it goes on Cipressa and Poggio. Milan-San Remo is always a fast race and so often you can’t turn back a decision you make. You have to feel the race and make the right decision at right moment.”

An attack is for sure his best shot at winning the race, but he is also confident that he can place really well in a sprint, as evidenced by his wins this season.

“I feel I’m fast in a sprint and especially after a hard race, so if I’m in a good position and things work out, I know can beat the fast guys too. I have to be confident that I can sprint for victory on the Via Roma.”

All the same, he really wants to avoid having to go against the sprinters like Kristoff.

“Matthews is fast. He’s got a kick like McEwen had,” Van Avermaet explained. “He can come out at the right moment and so he can win. Kristoff is more of power sprinter, so it depends on his energy in the finale. Gaviria has a chance for sure, he could win. We’ll have to see how he reacts after 300km but for sure he’s a big talent, he’s fast and has a good engine but he’s very young too. I think Classics are also about experience and it takes time to win the big Classics. I’ve been trying for ten years.”

However, Van Avermaet sees Fabian Cancellara as his biggest rival for the race this afternoon.

“Cancellara is riding well and I think he’s the big favourite for tomorrow,” Van Avermaet responded. “He’s shown he’s on form; I think he’s the strongest in the peloton and the rider to beat. Fabian is not the fastest but he wins the Classics with his power. He can win Milan-San Remo that way. Of course it’s the legs that decide thing. You can win 1,000 races before, but its tomorrow that counts."