Following on from Tirreno-Adriatico, where Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) went head-to-head on the stage finish to Cepagatti, the Belgian has spoken about his growing rivalry with the World Champion.
Over the past year, Van Avermaet has managed to outsprint Sagan on the 13th stage of the Tour de France, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in addition to Tirreno.
After his defeat at Tirreno, Sagan appeared upset with Van Avermaet about not doing enough work.
“What can I do, I can only do my race,” the World Champion said. “He does his. I had a teammate on the front, he was alone, for sure I spent more energy for the race, but that’s cycling. The wheel turns, you know.”
Van Avermaet has since spoken to Het Nieuwsblad about the rivalry and Sagan’s response to being beaten.
“Yes, it has surprised me,” said Van Avermaet. “Maybe it’s frustration because he has not yet won. It’s not that we’re not friends anymore.”
“I have my view of that situation, Peter has his. He may also express his opinion. I have no problem with him.”
“My style will always remain offensive, but I will not always be the idiot who does most of the work at the front.”
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