Team Sky happy to back both Ian Stannard and Luke Rowe in cobbled Classics
Directeur sportif Servais Knaven says it's good to have "multiple cards" on the pavé
As they did in 2016, Team Sky will enter the sharp end of the cobbled Classics with two clear leaders, rather than having a group of four or more riders going into races dreaming of victory.
Speaking before the start of E3 Harelbeke, Team Sky directeur sportif Servais Knaven was cagey about his team's tactics, but insisted that it was positive to have more than one leader at the Classics.
>>> Team Sky now getting the best out of struggling riders, says Tim Kerrison
"I think sometimes it’s better to have one leader, and sometimes it’s better to have two leaders.
"We have two really good riders so why should we play one card. In these sort of unpredictable races it’s always smart to play multiple cards."
This approach puts the team in the mid-point between teams such as Bora-Hansgrohe and BMC Racing, with sole leaders in the shape of Peter Sagan and Greg Van Avermaet respectively, and Quick-Step Floors, who enter most cobbled races with five or six riders who are arguably capable of winning.
Watch: Cobbled Classics 2017 essential guide
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The "two really good riders" in the Sky Classics squad are the British duo of Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard, and Knaven said that both men are in good shape heading into the major Belgian Classics.
"Luke looked really strong at Paris-Nice. He was one of the key riders that helped Sergio Henao win.He also had a really good Milan-San Remo. He's ready.
"Ian didn't ride Paris-Nice or Tirreno, but he did San Remo and looked good there."
>>> Luke Rowe column: Here's why the cobbled Classics are nuts
As for whether the team would back one rider or the other for the major races in the coming weeks, perhaps working harder for Rowe at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, Knaven, a former winner of Paris-Roubaix himself, said the decision would be made closer to the time.
"We’ll have to see how E3 Harelbeke and Ghent-Wevelgem before deciding our strategy for Flanders and Roubaix. A lot can happen between now and next week."
Thank you for reading 20 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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Why do cars keep getting bigger – and will it ever end?
Ever-widening cars are threatening to squeeze cyclists off the road. It has to end somewhere, doesn't it?
By James Shrubsall Published
-
See safely and be seen friendly with RAVEMEN PR2000 headlight
With its wireless remote control and versatile design, this Ravemen front light will keep you running on the darkest nights
By Sam Gupta Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers announce 'highly motivated, hungry and ambitious' new performance structure for 2025
New sports directors, lead performance coach and head of performance support announced, among other changes
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I can help get the team back to where it was' - 20-year-old Artem Shmidt looks to the future after Ineos Grenadiers' disappointing season
Shmidt hoping to help revitalise team backed by Jim Ratcliffe after season of woes and as star rider Tom Pidcock gets set to move on
By Tom Thewlis Published