Madis Mihkels, a rider for the US pro team EF Education - EasyPost, confirmed to Bike Fanatics that he will make his first start of the season at the Etoile de Besseges cycling tour in France in early February.
This is a race where Jaan Kirsipuu has shone in his time, with 13 stage wins to his name. This year's Etoile de Besseges will take place from 5 to 9 February and will consist of five stages - four group stages followed by a 10.6 km individual start. Mihkels will then take part in the Volta ao Algarve cycling tour in Portugal from 19 to 23 February, and after that will come the big classics, with the Paris-Nice cycling tour in between.
"Since last season ended with the World Championships at the end of September and it was clear that I would not be competing in the Tour Down Under this year, I was able to start my preparation calmly and without stress, knowing that I had enough time," Mihkels told Bike Fanatics. "In mid-November, I flew to Girona, Spain, for a team camp, and then to Calpe, where I am still today. The preparation has gone without any setbacks, I have been able to do all the necessary work. The next team camp in Mallorca is coming soon, and then the first start of the season."
What are the goals for the first half of the season? "I haven't thought about it specifically yet. I'm not stressed, I want to ride as well as possible. If possible, win a stage at a tour and be in the game at the big classics," Mihkels answered.
