Wout Van Art showed up to the Milan - San Remo team presentation with a new haircut.

"I went to the hairdresser this afternoon. I needed a makeover for Milano-Sanremo," van Aert joked.

The leader of Jumbo Visma missed the Strade Bianche and was forced to extend his high altitude training camp due to an illness that delayed his return to training after the UCI Cyclocross World Championships. He also crashed in Tirreno-Adriatico and started the 2023 Milano-San Remo without a win, but insisted he was ready to race.

"It was a different preparation than I expected, but I think it's good enough," Van Aert said.

"Tirreno-Adriatico was good and we are ready for Milan-San Remo.

"It's always scary to run 300 km, but it's a very nice classic and one of my favorite races. I want to ride very well and I want to be in a few more percent for the next race. But I am good enough to win Milano-Sanremo."

Last year Van Aert chased Tadej Pogachar several times in Poggio, perhaps spoiling his own chances. This year, Pogachar may attack in the early stages of the Cipressa, but there are some classic moves to be made in Poggio.

"I think Pogachar will race differently this time," Van Aert warned. 'I also expect Julien Alaphilippe to be stronger. He may be a little underrated right now, but he knows perfectly when to attack in Poggio."

"We also know that Yasper Philipsen can be a threat. I see him getting past Poggio as well."