Odd Christian Eiking is just 21, but FDJ seem to have signed one of cycling’s best talents when the Norwegian penned a two year deal to join the French outfit from Joker.

“I’m satisfied with the overall picture. The Norwegian Championships went well for me with the win in the U23 race and the runner-up position in the Elite race. I felt strong in that period, and I took advantage of my form not only on home turf, but also in Giro della Valle d’Aosta, where I got a stage victory. Another important result was my sixth place in the general classification of the Arctic Race of Norway, because I proved that I can compete against some of the best cyclists in the world,” Eiking tells Café Roubaix, when asked about his 2015 season.

Not wishing to forget where he has come from, Eiking paid homage to his Joker team, saying he had a great two seasons with the Continental squad.

“I learnt a lot in the past two seasons in the team. I got to do many very good races with them, and also got to score some strong results. I’m very happy with my two years in Joker, a team which helped me improve in many areas, from climbing to sprinting.”

Despite having raced against WorldTour pros in big races before, Eiking says 2016 will be solely about adapting to the top level of the sport, and any nice results will be a bonus.

“In 2016 I will watch and learn and will adapt to the World Tour rigors and races, which I’m aware that are completely different than anything I have encountered in my career so far. After I will do a couple of events, I’ll have a clearer picture of what I have to improve, but in general I think I must become stronger in order to cope with this level.”

Eiking also revealed his schedule for the first half of the season, which includes a debut in the Ardennes Classics and potential starts in Paris-Nice and the Basque Country.

“I will start my season in the last days of January, in Spain, at the Challenge Mallorca, then move to France and follow up with La Méditerranéen, Tour du Haut Var and Tour de Provence. I’m also on a 12-rider list for Paris-Nice, but I’ll find out if I go there after I will complete the first races. Afterwards, I’m scheduled for Criterium International, Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.”