Ian Boswell has spent his first two years as a pro at Team Sky, where he has fulfilled the role of domestique to several of the team’s leaders. Now the American wants to lead the team at the Tour of California in May.

“It’s a race where I can put my hand up and say I want to have some opportunity there,” the young American told VeloNews, while tucked into a small patch of shade prior to Wednesday’s start of the Dubai Tour.

“Especially being my third year on the team, and an American race, [California] is something I want to target,” Boswell said. “[Bradley] Wiggins isn’t going to be there, or [Chris] Froome, or Richie [Porte]. If the opportunity is there, I’d love to go for a stage, if not ride GC.”

This week in Dubai, Boswell, a climber and all rounder, has taken part in the leadout train for Elia Viviani and Ben Swift, something he isn’t used to doing.

“It’s definitely not my cup of tea, but it’s actually fun,” he said. “I want to get more involved in the sprint leadout because it’s a fun little task.”