No Plan B: HTC-Columbia fully behind Cavendish for Milan-San Remo

By Agence France Presse

HTC-Columbia’s manager say they are counting on sprint king Mark Cavendish to repeat his 2009 win at Milan-San Remo Saturday, if the race comes down to a sprint.

Cavendish, who won six stages at last year’s Tour de France, goes into the season-opening one-day classic as defending champion but comparatively under par after a belated start to competition due to dental problems.

But if the Isle of Man rider defies his own predictions and manages to endure the “suffering” he expects on the race’s two main climbs, the Cipressa and Poggio, he could find himself in with a chance of a rare double.

A bunch finish is not guaranteed, of course, said team manager Rolf Aldag.

“Milan-San Remo is a very difficult race to predict, there are so many different interests at play and it’s by no means guaranteed there will be a bunch sprint,” said Aldag. “But it could happen, and the team will be working for Mark and supporting him 100 percent. There is no plan ‘B’.

“He’s the winner of the 2009 race and he’s our best option for winning the race in 2010.”

Although some rivals, including Italy’s 2006 champion Filippo Pozzato, have expressed big doubts about Cavendish’s form, Belgian rival Tom Boonen won’t count the Manxman out.

“I’d also have Cavendish in the reckoning although he still must improve a bit,” said the Belgian, whose personal favorite is on-form Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati of Liquigas.

Katusha rider Pozzato, Fabian Cancellara, the 2008 winner, and emerging Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen will spearhead teams hoping to upset the sprinters’ plans.

Columbia meanwhile hopes Cavendish’s mediocre display at Tirreno-Adriatico will take off the pressure.

“It was a pity (a Tirreno-Adriatico stage win) didn’t happen but in a way it means less pressure on him,” added Aldag. “Nobody will be looking at us to chase now if there’s a breakaway of 20 riders.”

However Aldag admitted that if it looks like a lost cause, Cavendish could call off the charge.

“Mark’s very clever and very honest and he’ll let us know exactly what’s going on. He won’t just kill his teammates for no reason.”

FILED UNDER: News TAGS: HTC-Columbia / Milan-San Remo