“The route recons made me even more excited to race next week,” he said. “Although I’m really nervous for my first WorldTour race, I hope to come out as a stronger and better bike rider.

“I’m lucky to have a wealth of experience around me, with riders like Lars Bak and Thomas de Gendt who are more than willing to share their knowledge.

“I’m starting a new and big adventure, but the fact I’m surrounded by such a nice team will dampen the shock.”

“As far as the weather is concerned it’s a huge difference with the cold in Europe at the moment. It’s a weird feeling having high temperatures in January, that doesn’t seem right.

“But it’s not too hot yet. Today, was the first time the temperature rose above thirty degrees.”