Tour Down Under comes as a very appealing season opener to Biniam Girmay: "I prefer to race in the hot weather than the cold"

With Tour Down Under comfortably back at its place as season opener, many riders choose this race as an opportunity to test their legs against the rest. And in much warmer conditions than what you can find in Europe these days. This in particular appeals to Biniam Girmay, who'll make his debut in the Australian race, wearing the new Intermarché - Wanty jersey.

"Personally, I prefer to race in the hot weather than the cold. It's a nice race, it’s also a WorldTour race and for sure I have quite good opportunities to win stages," Girmay said in a pre-race interview.

"Also, it's my first Tour Down Under so I need to change my plan for the past two years because I only started in Europe in the cold weather. I had some good results but didn’t feel very well because I could not do my best due to the weather, so we are trying to change a little bit and start here."

"To be honest I’m really focused on the beginning of the season. First here, then the Classics. After that, I have plan A and plan B so we will see how the shape is in the first races and after that, we will decide if we go for the Olympics and the Tour."