Peter Sagan (Cannondale) was second at last year’s Milan-San Remo and is confident of bettering that result this time out as he looks to make a bright start to the Classics campaign.

After an encouraging start to the season, with two wins to date, the Slovakian star is confident of a strong Classics season, arriving in Italy pleased with the shape he is in and confident of being in contention on Sunday.

He said: “Milan-San Remo has always been one of the most important goals of my season. I plan to succeed at this race and ready myself for the next – the upcoming Belgium Classics.

“The route without Pompeiana climb makes the race different, but I’m not worried. This change effects everyone. To win Milan-San Remo, you need to first to be at your top condition and try to own the race with your team. That is my goal.”

Cannondale showed how they can control races with dominant displays on stages two and six of Tirreno-Adriatico. In the former they dropped Sagan off in perfect position to take the stage win, while the latter saw the Green Machine set a phenomenal pace in the bunch, which was enough to shed Marcel Kittel and his Giant-Shimano team from contention, though Mark Cavendish went on to claim the win.

However, Cannondale have showed they are capable of dictating proceedings, and with Sagan already showcasing his attacking flair at the Tour of Oman, all eyes will be on the 24-year-old when the race hits the Cipressa and the Poggio.