Daniel Martin who has started this season with new team Etixx-Quick Step, hopes that this move will of benefit for him. Currently at the Tour of Oman, he is working to improve his physical condition for the spring.

"A cycling team is a cycling team. There are mechanics, soigneurs and directors. There is not really differences. For me, I just needed a change", the Irishman told Cycling Weekly. He won for the first time with the Belgian team at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.

He does not expect with the best riders at the top of the Green Mountain, the queen stage of the Tour of Oman. "I haven’t really done that much intensity in my training so I think for Green Mountain I might be a bit on the limit but the other stages for sure I’ve got a chance. It’s my first Tour of Oman so I have no expectations, I have no idea where I am going or how the race is or anything."

Martin hopes to shine this spring at the Ardennes classics with Etixx-Quick Step. "We had a common goal and it turns out their idea of my programme was the same as mine. The last three years Tirreno was basically my first race and I was always a little bit on the ropes there, so it’s nice to get a few races in the legs and then hopefully get to Tirreno in good condition", he added.