Fabio Jacobsen took his first European win of the season on stage 2 of Tirreno-Adriatico. Recovering from his crash in Le Samyn, the Soudal-Quick-Step rider says he has "the legs" for a possible Tour de France appearance.

But with new teammate Tim Merlier also winning Paris-Nice earlier this week, the question has already been raised as to which sprinter will qualify for the Tour de France in July this year. Team manager Patrick Lefebvre says the 12 candidates for the Tour de France make for a natural selection.

"We just have to take it one day at a time. The Tour de France is still a long way off, and right now it's still spring." Jacobsen, who won his 40th career victory and second of the season on the second day of the Tirreno-Adriatico race, said. My schedule is still heading to the Tour de France."

"Last year I proved that I could win the Tour de France, so if I can prepare the same way, I think I can go for a stage win. Ultimately the decision was made above my head. I just need to keep going and prove that I am fast.

Jacobsen, who also won a stage at Argentina's Vuelta a San Juan this season, was selected for the 2022 French Grand Tour while his teammate at the time, Mark Cavendish, was left off the roster. The Dutch rider won the second stage to Naivori and finished in his debut Tour de France, but failed to make the podium again in that race.

Mellier has also won a stage in the Tour de France, winning the third stage to Pontivy in 2021.

"Last year I had a sprint race with him [Merlier]. Now we're on the same team, so we don't see each other as much anymore, but it's a privilege for Patrick and Sudar Quick-Step to have two sprinters like that. I think they both have the ability to win, and now it's up to the team to decide."

But for now, the European champion is happy with his 40th win in a photo finish with Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Desseuninck).

"This is my first victory in Italy and I haven't forgotten that I am named after Fabio Casartelli," Jacobsen said in a race media release about the Italian cyclist who suffered a serious head injury in the 2015 Tour de France. 'I remember going to the Tour de France for the first time with a Dutch TV station and meeting his parents at the Porte d'Aspet memorial. I still get goosebumps when I remember it. Today's victory is also his victory."