Boonen looking to Milano-Sanremo

Tom Boonen has his eye on Milano-Sanremo, and said that he has trained so often on the Poggio climb in that race, "I could now possibly ride it blindfolded."

The Quick-Step rider told sporza.be that he has targeted the Primavera this year, and that "if it comes to a sprint, Marco Velo must be there to help me with his experience."

To prepare for the race, the former World champion will again ride Tirreno-Adriatico, as he did last year, instead of Paris-Nice. "The stages in Tirreno are somewhat longer, with more climbing."

His winter so far "was almost perfect," Boonen said. He opens his season at the Tour of Qatar the beginning of February. "I hope not to be in form too early," he noted. "It is my intention to come into top for the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix.(SW)