World champion Sagan lays out big season goals

Making clear that he wants to win big in the rainbow jersey of world champion, Peter Sagan has said he is pinpointing several major targets during the 2016 season.

The Slovakian rider won the world championships in Richmond, Virginia, last September and wants to return to the top of the peloton soon.

“I would like to shine in the Spring Classics, I have to defend my Tour de France’s green jersey, fight for the title at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as well as the World Championships in Qatar,” he said.

Before then, Sagan will begin his season in the Tour de San Luis in Argentina, with that race getting underway on January 17.

“I have very good memories of the race,” he said. “I did not achieve a stage win, but I finished second twice. It is a great way to get ready for the season. The Tour de San Luis will allow me to be in good shape for the spring Classics.”

Sagan’s runner-up slots were behind Mattia Gavazzi in 2013 and behind Sacha Modolo in 2014.

He did not compete in Argentina last year, getting his season underway instead in the Tour of Qatar.

He will team up with Rafal Majka to lead the Tinkoff squad in the race. They will also be joined by Polish riders Pawel Poljanski and Maciej Bodnar, the Dane Jesper Hansen and the Russian Nikolay Trusov.

Sagan is chasing his first win in the rainbow jersey. He went close twice on two stages of the Abu Dhabi Tour last October, netting second on days two and four.

His chances of a sprint win will depend on how he fares against the other fastmen. Fernando Gaviria will be one of those, with the young Colombian returning after taking two stages ahead of Mark Cavendish twelve months ago.

Sagan has a new lease of confidence, though, and will do everything he can to christen his jersey during the event.