Boonen recces Milano-Sanremo

Tom Boonen and other members of the Quick.Step team spent yesterday reconnoitring the parcours of the Milano-Sanremo. Boonen, Kevin Hulsmans and Guido Trenti spent almost two and a half hours on the route, according to the team, and twice climbed the course's crucial hills, the the Cipressa and the Poggio. Directeur sportif Wilfried Peeters kept in radio contact with the riders to pass on his advice.

"Taking a preview of the finale of the Sanremo was a great idea," Boonen said, "I've already taken part in this classic race twice but it is always a good idea to check the race route out beforehand. Riding alongside me was the experienced athlete Trenti who gave me a lot of important advice. It will be very important to start the Poggio in a good position, that way not risking being bottle-necked in the main part of the group and therefore having to use more energy than necessary to work your way up to the front of the group. I think the race will be particularly difficult from the Cipressa onwards. That said, I think a few teams such as the Fassa Bortolo and the Rabobank will be controlling the race. We'll have to do a good job in following in their tracks."

Boonen also decided to gear up after checking out the climbs. "I'll be using a 41 chainring instead of a 39. I think this is the best choice and will help me in the action on the Poggio."