Andre Greipel had a great 2015 season with 16 victories. But the German rider wants to shine again in 2016 and he hopes to be at the top for the World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The Lotto-Soudal leader who finished 3rd at the 2011 Worlds in Copenhagen, has his sights set on the rainbow jersey. "I want to be world champion. I would give 100 victories to be world champion – but I’d keep the Tour de France wins!"

Greipel has checked the weather in Doha for the last two years. And according to him, there was always wind and a temperature exceeding 40°C on October 16. "It’s nice to ride in echelons. It’s part of racing. The strongest and smartest riders get in the echelons", he told CyclingWeekly.

Germany has two other big sprinters: Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb. "You need a strong team. It’s not my decision. I’m always consistent, you can always count on me. I’ve proved that I can be there after distances like 260 kilometres."