"The goal on the start line is still to win" - Stefan Küng to challenge Evenepoel and Van Aert at Volta ao Algarve time-trial

Stefan Küng is a fan of the Volta ao Algarve, he's succeeded in Portugal in the past and opted to start his 2024 season once again in the southwest of Europe. He aims to test his form ahead of the classics, but also has his eyes on the time-trial - despite facing very tough competition.

"The winter has been smooth. The end of the season wasn’t what I was hoping for with a crash and an injury but the rehab went really well, and the whole winter preparation was smooth, so I’m happy to start racing this week," Küng admitted to GCN.

The Swiss rider ended his season at the European Championships, where a bloody crash left him with multiple injuries. It was a long winter for the Groupama-FDJ rider that has since healed from the accident, and has built his form back up into this spring where he aims to perform at the cobbled classics.

However, he also fancies the time-trial, although he reveals that Groupama-FDJ's bike supplier Willier is currently working on a new time-trial bike, which he intends on using at the Olympic Games. "This a first check before the Tour and the first outing with the new set-up but I also know that the set-up between here and the Games," he tells.

"I still know that I have a little extra coming but this is still a good test and the goal on the start line is still to win. I’ve won twice here before." The Swiss rider looks to have all possible gains ahead of the summer where his biggest goal of the season lays, and is working with the team's new bike supplier to have the best possible setup.

He also comments on a possible move at the end of the season, taking into consideration that he is in contract year: “I feel really good where I am now so I’m focusing on the moment and not so much about the other thing. If I have everything I need then there’s no reason for me to look elsewhere."