After a great 2014 Tour Down Under was followed by a crash riddled 2015 edition, Nathan Haas of Dimension Data is looking to once more star in the race in what is his debut for the South African team.

“The early season races in Australia are a good way to get the ball rolling and build the confidence. That is a major thing in the sport. Once you get a win you don’t have to be in the top form, and you’ve just got the confidence that you can pull something out of the bag,” Haas told Cyclingnews.

Haas will be allowed to lead Dimension Data at various parts of the season and is looking to develop a killer instinct which he says is missing and cost him some wins in previous years.

“I’ve gotten to the end of so many finals, and either screwed it up or gone too early in a sprint and just been on the podium instead of the win. Sometimes I've maybe done too much work for GC teammates, which is not a bad thing, but it takes away from your potential performance. I know my ability, whether people doubt it or don’t believe in it, I do and I know that I can and I think that, for me, it is going to be a place that encourages it and will make it happen.”

Haas may co-lead with Cam Meyer Down Under, but his biggest goal of the season is Amstel Gold Race, which he says is perfectly suited to his qualities. 

“For me, I feel like my main reason for being in this sport is the Amstel Gold race,” said Haas. “It’s something, even when I think about it, it gives me tingles. I can’t explain it, but I love it. For me, ultimately one day I’d like to win the race. I think that I’m a dark horse to be on the podium, even this year. I expect to be in the realm of top 10, and I don’t see any reason, unless I screw up, why that won’t happen.”