Former pro rider Fabian Cancellara said he believes Sunweb's Marc Hirschi has the ability to win races such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Amstel Gold and Il Lombardia.The 22-year-old Swiss rider won Thursday's Tour de France's 12th stage, a solo victory in Salin, his compatriot Cancellara added that Hirschi's "life will completely change" now that he has joined the exclusive club of Tour stage winners.

"He reminds me a bit of Julian Alaphilippe (Dečuninck-Quick Step)," Cancellara told Het Nieuwsblad on Thursday.

"But first and foremost, he is Marc Hirschi, and he has the potential to win races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Amstel Gold Race, Il Lombardia, and the World Championships.

"But he is not yet Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) or Eoghan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers). It is fortunate that he is not overweight. In the long run, he might be able to aim for the Vuelta a España or the Giro d'Italia. Maybe even the Tour.

"I'm practically his manager and advisor," Cancellara said. I haven't called him yet, but when I get on the phone with Marc, I'll tell him that his life is about to change forever."

"He's going to have to take it," Cancellara added. 'Tomorrow his mother will go to the bakery. His little brother goes to school and gets a lot of questions. I have been through all of that. Don't forget, the boy is only 22 years old, and because of that amazing victory, all of a sudden he is known all over the world. It gives people something to do, you know. I'm trying to help him."

Hirschi, who finished second behind Alaphilippe on the Tour's second stage in Nice and third behind Pogacar and current race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo Visma) on the ninth stage to Larnes, made his breakaway with less than 2km to go. With his smooth pedaling style, excellent downhill technique, and aerodynamic tack, as well as the use of a cycle computer like an improvised handlebar extension, this 2018 under-23 road racing world champion has already won many new fans and many, not just Cancellara, believe this young rider can go far.

"At the beginning of this year he had a problem with his hip," said Cantella.

"He pays close attention to every detail: positioning, aerodynamics, nutrition, and training. Marc is also very keen on winning." He said he wants to race on the World Tour this season.