André Greipel set to focus on Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in 2017
German sprinters looks for new goals this season
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Top German sprinter André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) will possibly skip Milan-San Remo to focus specifically on the cobbled classics including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
Greipel has been putting more focus on Flanders and Paris-Roubaix over the recent years. He attacked and led in a group until the final time up the Oude Kwaremont in the 2016 Tour of Flanders, producing 1000 watts at times in his efforts.
“It’s important for every rider to focus on other goals now and then," said Lotto-Soudal general manager, Marc Sergeant. "That helps to stay motivated and is challenging.
"He’s 34 years old and wants to try to start the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Scheldeprijs and Paris-Roubaix in the best possible shape."
>>> Muur van Geraardsbergen returns to the Tour of Flanders for 2017
Greipel began his 2017 season with a bang, winning his first race in the Challenge Mallorca.
He will continue in Spain at the Vuelta a Murcia and in Portugal at the Volta ao Algarve. He will then travel to the Middle East to lead the sprint team in the Abu Dhabi Tour.
"It’s a WorldTour race since this season and so a more important race. Just like last year, he will participate in Paris-Nice," Sergeant added.
"It’s not certain yet if he will take the start in Milan-San Remo. Afterwards, André will race the Volta a Catalunya for the first time in his career."
Watch: André Greipel's toughest day
Milan-San Remo, won by Mark Cavendish in 2009, is considered the sprinters' monument. However, with a Catalunya trip, Greipel is more interested in building for the cobbled roads in the north. He said that he is too heavy for Milan-San Remo's final Poggio climb.
Greipel should team with Lotto-Soudal's Tiesj Benoot and Jürgen Roelandts for Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, and although he has been prominent at times at both races in the past, he thinks the latter suits him best.
"I would then like to ride a different programme," he told Het Nieuwsblad over the winter. "I also like the Flemish classics, even if I usually ride for the team. We'll see what role I have."
Sprinters can fair well in the Hell of the North at times. Australian sprinter Stuart O'Grady won a dry and dusty edition in 2007 and John Degenkolb won in 2015.
Cavendish returned in 2016 to support the team and test the water for future rides.
"I don't know, we'll see," Cavendish, who placed 30th, told Cycling Weekly when asked if he could return for a result.
"I can never really take the race on myself like the big power houses, but I can do a good job for the team."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
A Call of a Life Time: YouTube docuseries chronicling the Life Time Grand Prix premiers tonight
The six-part series promises a 'binge-worthy' behind-the-scenes look into the off-road cycling world
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
CW LIVE: 'UCI is a mafia': doper defends Nairo Quintana; Giro d'Italia cities see pink; Marianne Vos extends with Jumbo-Visma; Cam Mason's boxfresh champion's jersey; flying start for Saint Piran's Track Champs debut; Kobe Goossens wins Trofeo Andratx
Your daily dose of all the good stuff from the world of cycling
By James Shrubsall • Last updated
-
In celebration of Peter Sagan, cycling's rock and roll frontman
As the three-time world champion is set to call time on his career in the WorldTour at the end of 2023, we thought we would take a look back at the glory days
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
No win for Jonas Vingegaard? Cycling Weekly's bold predictions for the 2023 season
With under a fortnight until the WorldTour kicks off this year, it is time to take a look into our crystal ball
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From the World Championships to Paris-Roubaix: Cycling Weekly's wins of 2022
It is hard to look past Annemiek van Vleuten, but we tried, so here is the best win of the year, plus nine more
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar eyes Tour of Flanders revenge in 2023
The UAE Team Emirates rider hopes to add to his Monuments collection next season
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe: ‘I want to be 100% for the Tour of Flanders’
The Frenchman has said the Monument is his “big goal” for next season.
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
'I just come out at every race swinging': Simon Clarke achieves childhood dream with Tour de France stage win after winter of contract fears
Australian was without a team coming into the season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Those climber guys can ride over the cobbles these days’ - Fabian Cancellara predicts a fast paced opening week at the Tour de France
Cancellara has won the opening stage of the Tour de France five times and knows the importance of a strong opening week
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
André Greipel: WorldTour relegation system 'totally bulls**t'
The former pro cyclist talks UCI points, watching cycling as a fan, and the lack of sprint opportunities at the Tour de France
By Adam Becket • Published