"The extra loop tips the scales in favour of climbers even more" - Matej Mohoric sceptic about Strade Bianche route changes

Matej Mohoric is itching for a big result at the start of the season, especially after the Belgian Opening Weekend didn't go according to the Slovenian's plan. Strade Bianche will be yet another opportunity for the technically skilled leader of Bahrain - Victorious who was already sixth in Sienna last year.

"I think my condition is on a pretty good level but the results were far from what I'd hoped for," he told CycingWeekly. "So this gives me extra motivation and extra focus to try and do my best tomorrow.

"Although tomorrow is quite a bit different, compared to the two races in Belgium that I've done, especially with the extra loop they've added in the final, it really tips the scales in favour of climbers even more, especially if the race opens up early.

"So I will see how I go, it's going to be a little bit of a journey into the unknown for everyone but yeah, we'll see how we manage."