"I want to finish on the podium" - Mattias Skjelmose out to prove Tour de France credentials at Paris-Nice

This afternoon, preparation for the Grand Tours begins in earnest as Paris-Nice gets underway and one of those with a little point to prove ahead of the three week races yet to come, is Lidl-Trek leader Mattias Skjelmose.

The Dane is the man set to hold the general classification ambitions of the Lidl-Trek team at the Tour de France later this summer. "I love racing in France. Last year I finished fourth in Paris-Nice. Now I want to do better and finish on the podium," an ambitious Skjelmose tells Wielerflits ahead of the race, setting out his goals clearly. "I am better than last year and I think our team is stronger. We will do better in the team time trial, which is crucial. I think top three is within reach."

Skjelmose has had some good showings in France already this year, notably finishing 2nd at the Drome Classic a week ago. "I saw good signs. I just came from altitude, so it's always a bit exciting. But that was good," he reflects, understandably having optimism ahead of his Paris-Nice battle. "That's a good test for the rest of the season, with the Tour de France among the goals. Although there is still a lot of time before it is time for the Tour. So Paris-Nice itself is also definitely a goal."