Simon Gerrans is already back in training. The 36-year-old Australian is targeting the Santos Tour Down Under in January which he has won a record four times. "For Orica-BikeExchange it’s an important race," he told Cyclingnews .

Gerrans himself also places great emphasis on the race which he won in 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2016. 

"The Tour Down Under is very much an objective. For Orica BikeExchange it's an important race. We're an Australian team so there's always an emphasis on it and I structure my season on starting out well there.

"Obviously, the first objectives will be the Australian races and the Tour Down Under. Then it will be the Ardennes. After that, I'm not sure. We'll have a camp later and the planning will take place then."

Whether 2017 is his last season is still an open question for the multiple Australian champion.

"I extended my contract so I'm there for 2017. I'm at the point in my career where I can take it year by year. I've had a fantastic run. I'm one of the older guys but happy to take it season by season at this point.

"I'll see how it goes because if I'm having a good year, I'm still enjoying it, and I'm making a contribution to the team then I'll go on. If next year doesn't go so well then it might be time to look for something else."