Initially, Team Jumbo-Visma’s intention was to keep the main classics line-up together in Italy, but Timo Roosen hasn’t recovered yet from his crash in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

Groenewegen has never made it a secret to be charmed by ‘la Primavera’. He will take the opportunity to gain experience in the long spring classic, with the Cipressa and Poggio as the main obstacles. “That’s why I’m participating”, Groenewegen says. “I will probably fall short to participate in the win. With the Tour and the Vuelta on the roster this year, I hope to gain that little extra power and endurance to be able to be in the mix next year.”

Until Roosen’s crash, Groenewegen was on the roster for the Volta a Catalunya. In that race, Team Jumbo-Visma will now focus on the general classification with Steven Kruijswijk. Finishing third in the Ruta del Sol, he recently showed his great shape. “The whole team now rides in his service”, sportive director Merijn Zeeman explains.

“Now this situation has arisen, we have listed everything again”, Zeeman continues. “Ultimately, this is the ideal plan B. It is never pleasant having to change programs, but everyone was very happy with this. Catalunya would have been an investment for Dylan, but so will Milano-Sanremo. The number of sprint chances in Catalunya is low. Dylan now also rides Bruges-De Panne and he can probably sprint for the victory there.”