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Riley Sheehan, the young American cyclist from Israel-Premier Tech, is working to regain his top form after a challenging March, aiming to peak during the upcoming holy week of cycling, which includes the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Last year, Sheehan finished 13th in the Tour of Flanders, winning the sprint from the second group, but this year he faces a race against time to recover fully.
Earlier this year, Sheehan suffered setbacks, including crashes and illness. He missed key races like E3 Harelbeke and Milano-San Remo, losing valuable racing kilometers. His performance in Dwars door Vlaanderen, where he was dropped early due to Visma-Lease a Bike’s aggressive pace, was a test of his recovery. Despite this, Sheehan remains optimistic about the upcoming races, particularly the Tour of Flanders, which he considers a special race and a key objective for the season.
Sheehan is navigating the absence of Sep Vanmarcke, his former mentor and Israel-Premier Tech’s classics specialist, who stepped back due to heart issues. Vanmarcke’s guidance was instrumental in Sheehan’s development, and while he misses Vanmarcke’s presence, he continues to seek advice from him.
Looking ahead, Sheehan is enthusiastic about returning to classics like Flanders and Roubaix, where he feels a deep connection. He also expressed excitement about potentially racing in Amstel Gold Race, a dream event for him. Racing in these events, he believes, will help him make up for lost kilometers and regain momentum.
Sheehan’s passion for Paris-Roubaix is evident. He describes it as both brutal and unique, recalling his experience from last year. For this year’s edition, he has been testing equipment, including the Factor Ostro Gravel bike and different tire sizes, to find the optimal setup. He emphasizes the importance of balancing aerodynamics for the asphalt sections with durability for the cobbles.
Despite the challenges, Sheehan remains committed to improving and delivering strong performances in the upcoming races. His focus is on staying tough and strong while adapting to the demands of these iconic one-day races.
