It says something about the status of a rider who can be in the mix at the biggest races of the Spring Classics and still be regarded as not on form. Peter Sagan has been there or thereabouts in the Monuments so far but many are not prepared to consider him a chance at Paris-Roubaix. We think he might just have a point to prove on Sunday, and rate him amongst the potential winners in the velodrome.

Russell ran into the reigning champ on Thursday’s recon and got a look at his new bike and a few words from the team mechanic, teammate Daniel Oss (our outsider for a surprise winner) and the man himself.

While riding a loop from the end of the Carrefour I came across a Bora car just after the Camphin-en-Pévèle, Peter on the boot eating some curry and rice and Daniel Oss on the chilly bin at the back. Eating and joking; Peter was quiet while Daniel had a few laughs. I spoke to their mechanic while they ate…

“They are have 53/44, the back is a secret,” they laughed, “11, 11-25, and the tyres are 30mm tubular. They are big but they go good speed on the pave.”

“We ride pretty much the same setup,” said Daniel, “just different legs!”

I asked about the Future Shock set-up of Sagan’s bike, if it works, and if they have the time to switch it on and off in between secteurs. They replied together with quiet nods, “Yes, it works,” said Peter. Daniel, continuing the reply with a smile, ”Yes, we switch it… if we remember.”