Wout Poels revealed Dutch media his will to excel in the Tirreno-Adriatico after his team leader Chris Froome was forced to withdraw from the event. Even though another new rider in the Team Sky ranks – Leopold Konig – was announced a new captain for the Italian race, the 27-year old Dutchman hopes to receive his own chances to shine.

„I think it's quite a shame, because I was looking forward to riding with him,” Poels said about Froome's withdrawal, according to WielerUpdate. „On the other hand, it might provide me with opportunities to show myself off. I still have to prove myself and earn my place in team's hierarchy.”

„Obviously, I wasn't entirely happy with my performance at Tour of Oman, my first race this season. I felt pretty good, but results haven't reflected it. Currently I'm feeling well and I finished Tirreno in the top ten twice, so I'm quite confident.”

When it comes to the latter part of the 2015 season, supporting Froome at the Tour de France remains the main objective for the 27-year old Dutchman.

„The team first asked me to ride the Giro, but I turned down that suggestion,” Poels revealed. „I really wanted to ride the Tour, even more because of the Grand Depart held this year in the Netherlands. For how they assess the situation, though, they were fair enough to say that the best riders will make the final selection.”