Ian Boswell is widely recognized as one of the most promising young riders in the professional peloton and the young American on the Sky squad has a big schedule to match his potential: Amstel Gold, Giro del Trentino and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

This is his debut in the Ardennes Classics as a pro but he was second in the 2012 Liege as a U-23 rider.

He may prove to be an important domestique this week for Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Richie Porte.

“I do Amstel Gold, fly to Trentino the next day for a team time trial and three road stages, the next day fly up to Belgium and do Liège. With the U.S, it’s a month-long trip,”

“I don’t mind as my fitness is good. I want to do well in these races in the future anyway.”

He is pleased the team has put so much responsibility on his young shoulders.

“The team noted that I’m leaps ahead compared to last year: I’m set up in Europe, I understand how the team works, my role in the team, how my body’s adapted to the training. Last year, I had to fight my body just to get through the training rides and meet the demands of training for the WorldTour. This year, it’s much more manageable for me.

“I know the team and know what’s expected of me. I’ve taken a big step forward by knowing what I need to do to be at the level they want me to perform at. My training’s been spot on and I’ve had consistency.”

He will now hope to help Sky remove the final obstacle in their way: finally winning a WorldTour classic. He may lack the experience but he has the enthusiasm to help them do so.

“These classics require experience. Like Amstel, it’s inherently dangerous with its turns and the wind. Mathew Hayman rode Paris-Roubaix 10 to 15 times and is still perfecting his way. It’s the same with the Ardennes, just getting experience and building fitness,” Boswell said.

“Sky didn’t get a win in the classics beforehand, but it’s going well. I hope to help the team win in Amstel or Liège. I’m not going for a result, but to be a part of a successful team.”