Thomas De Gendt has set himself the first goal the new cycling season. He wants to defend his polka dot jersey in the Tour Down Under in Australia.

In the second stage, Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) went on the attack. He didn’t win the stage, but was rewarded with the combativity prize and the polka dot jersey for best climber. That classification is now De Gendt’s goal.

"It will be difficult to take the mountains jersey home, but it is achievable. So far, so good," he said to Belga.

"Tomorrow there is a climb 500 meters from the finish line where I can pick up 16 points for the mountain classification," he says. "If I am top five I can keep my jersey.

"There are certainly options in the stages to follow. I will certainly be in the escape on the fourth stage, and try to be at my best in stage 5."