Trek DS Dirk Demol insists that Fabian Cancellara is ready to start his Classics campaign. “He missed some training in January due to a crash but we've made up for that lack of training days now. I think Fabian is ready,”

Cancellara dominated last years Classics with victories in E3, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. Milan Sanremo will also play a key role in the Swiss starts campaign.

“We noticed that some teams are further ahead in their preparation than we are but it’s a matter of choice. We decided to do an easy build-up towards Milan-San Remo. We are now trying to make up towards the other teams.”

Cancellara is in decent form having performed fairly well in the Middle Eastern races and is prepared to enter into his final years of his career still chasing more success.

“The moment of truth is now coming closer,” Demol said. “I am relaxed when it comes to Fabian’s form. I have seen him race but I will be totally at ease after this weekend [with Strade Bianche] and after the Tirreno. Then we really know where we stand.”

Cancellara is a double Strade Bianche winner and could use his course knowledge to his advantage. “It counts as a test to see where we are at the moment. It’s a hard race. Then comes Tirreno with a team time trial, an individual time trial and some long stages as well. Just like previous year we decided to start with our classics team in Tirreno.”

Trek has other options such as Stijn Devolder, a double winner of the Tour of Flanders himself. He will play a key role not just today, but in all of the Calssics:

“Fabian is our captain, there is no doubt about that. But we need to be in the final [of the classics] with as many riders as we can. Devolder had an injury last year that meant he had to take a long break. He is back now, both physically and mentally. He is ambitious and ready to go. As a protected rider, Stijn has an important role to play to help Fabian in the final but Fabian remains our only captain.”