Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was wanting in advantageous type throughout Nokere Koerse – placing in a stinging assault that break up the sphere earlier than getting ready for the bunch dash. But a crash within the ultimate kilometre has left the Belgian with scrapes and bruises and worries over the defence of his Milan-San Remo title.
Alpecin-Deceuninck sports activities director Preben Van Hecke instructed the Belgian media that whether or not Philipsen can race in Milan-San Remo will probably be determined tomorrow.
“It can go both approach. We’ll have to attend the night time,” Van Hecke stated.
Philipsen was sitting mid-pack when there was a shift within the bunch, and Arne Marit (Intermarché-Wanty) rider touched wheels and fell onto Philipsen, bringing him to the bottom.
“It was an unlucky crash. Jasper cannot see it coming. It occurs to his left, very unlucky. If it is a crash in entrance of you, you’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate a fall.”
Philipsen was in a position to arise however was lined in wounds and he went straight to a close-by ambulance for remedy earlier than heading again to the crew bus.
“There are fairly a number of bruises throughout his physique,” Van Hecke stated. “His proper aspect is pretty battered, his fingers are additionally hit. Maybe his proper hand needs to be stitched between the center and ring fingers.”
With three days to go earlier than Milan-San Remo, Philipsen will probably be at a drawback even when he can race, and Marit feels unhealthy in regards to the incident.
“I used to be diagonally behind Lamperti’s wheel,” Marit stated to the Belgian media. “I believe I get a push on the left, so I crossed wheels. I crashed towards Philipsen, after which there was a domino impact. I believe I used to be the primary to fall, however I used to be pushed by somebody who handed on the left, the place there was no room.
“Philipsen is among the high favourites for Milan-San Remo, so you are feeling responsible anyway. But I’m additionally upset due to the truth that I had the legs to win at this time.
“The incontrovertible fact that I used to be subsequent to Philipsen exhibits that I used to be in a very good place to compete. I labored very laborious and every part went completely. And now… I additionally crashed within the Grand Prix Criquielion final week. It’s simply very silly that you simply lie on the bottom twice with this situation.”
The organisers of Nokere Koerse reversed the path of the ultimate climb to make it safer, and Marit stated the change had nothing to do with the crash.
“I bought a push, went over Lamperti’s wheel and everybody rode so shut collectively… Maybe it was additionally a bit my fault that I did not depart sufficient house, however sure… It’s not going effectively for us with the crew both.”
