Your favourite race and climb?

Nothing is bigger than the Tour I would always say Tour de France. If we talk about One-Day-Races then it is Paris-Roubaix and Milano – Sanremo. Favourite climb? Hard to say, the climb usually hurts.

Your best or most memorable result in pro cycling?

Winning a stage in the Tour of Beijing in 2012 ahead of Alessandro Petacchi, but also carrying the National Champion jersey to my Tour de France debut in 2015 I will always remember.

What are your personal ambitions for the season?

I am keen to show myself in the spring classics and yet again I want to make the selection for the Tour de France squad.

What made you shift your focus away from XC and track cycling to road racing?

I was only riding XC because you could start earlier than on the road. Track was only a convenient method to make the winter shorter but road cycling was always my big goal and ambition.

You went through tough time after being hit by a car. What was your motivation to stay in cycling and make it back to the Pro Peloton?

Simple: I want to decide myself when I call it a day as a professional. Ironically there wouldn’t be any other sport now that my knee could handle so I consider myself very lucky to be back on the highest level.

What do you enjoy doing away from the bike?

Just recently I discovered golf as my new passion. Apart of that I am a big fan of English football supporting Arsenal London.

What are your thoughts on the Merida Reacto you will be racing this season?

A good, clean bike and certainly the faster option tonthe Scultura, but I am still struggling to find my position.