"2015 was not the best year of my career. After the Giro d’Italia, I raced very little and I kept quiet about my levels. I thank LottoNL-Jumbo for the opportunity they have offered me." Speaking to Elleradio, Enrico Battaglin is confident about his goals for 2016 after was able to win two stages in the Giro in 2013 and 2014 while wearing the Bardiani jersey.

"Last week we spent a few days in the Netherlands,” continued Battaglin. “We were guests at a military base. It was a gathering without the bike. We mainly did alternative activities. On Sunday we will go to Spain and prepare for 2016.

“This year I had hoped for more, I never had the continuity in my results. Then after the Giro I had some problems, I was often on the sideline and I had a small problem with the team. Despite this, the relationship with the Reverberi family [owners of the Bardiani team] was always great.

“I have not planned the season yet. I just know that I will start at the Tour Down Under in Australia. The goal will be to give my best at every race, I want to arrive at a high level and I think that they expect a quantum leap from me.”