Nicola Boem of Bardiani-CSF has called winning his first pro race, a stage of the 2014 Tour of Denmark as “a joy that cannot be described”. The 26 year old will now target “more breaks and more wins” in 2015.

Boem is known as an escape artist, most notably putting his skills on display at Amstel Gold Race this year. He talked to La Gazzetta dello Sport about what attracts him to breakaways.

"That glory, like the Amstel Gold Race, 225 kilometers before being taken that day, I may have gone too far. Or that of disappointment, as the Tour of Italy stage of Foligno, taken in the last mile. If there had been more cooperation... And the breakaway always give hope, if I am caught, I want to be the last one out there.”

However, the break is not always about glory or disappointment. During the sixth stage of the Tour of Denmark, it was all about victory.

“Tour of Denmark, the sixth stage, the break of 13 at 70 kilometers from the finish. I confess that that day I was not hopeful of a win there. But the group behind miscalculated we fought in the sprint. I was the fastest, then Agnoli. The first victory in only two years as a professional, it is a joy that can not be described."

Boem also inst picky about in what races he makes his attacks and tries to join the breakaway. He says he can win in any race, but if he does so it will always need to be from a break.

"From one-day races, even from short stage races. However, it will always be from the breaks. I will try forever. Either all or nothing. This is how I was in the juniors when my aunt and uncle drove me to races and it is how I am now.”

"Before the start, I say to myself: I hope that everything goes well. During the race, I say, I will give my all until exhaustion. Because it is an opportunity, a chance, and you should not have any regrets or remorse. And on arrival I tell you that, in fact, I do an examination of my conscience."

Boem was absolutely certain what his objectives would be in 2015 too:

"More races, more adventures, more breaks. My philosophy: more breaks, more wins. And I do not think my role will change," and in the meantime until the season starts? "Gym and bike, and once a week in the pool, then only bike. In December, the first team gathering. The breaks are starting from a distance."