Marco Haller (Katusha) got his final breakthrough in his fourth professional season. Alexander Kristoff’s lead-out man was crowned Austrian champion and the Tour des Fjords he celebrated the first stage race victory of his career

"Undoubtedly, this was my best season as a professional so far. After countless successes with the team, it is important for the confidence to again be on top of the podium yourself," Haller told radsport-news.com.

With his strong performance in the first half of the season – in addition to the victories in Norway and at home he was third at the GP Nobili (1.1) in Italy and fourth on a stage of the Tour de Suisse - the 24-year-old also earned himself a first ticket for the Tour de France where he was a key part of Kristoff’s lead-out train.

However, the Norwegian who won two stages in 2014, failed to take a single victory and also had to settle for fourth in the fight for the green jersey. But for Haller, the Tour de France was still an event that he will always remember.

"In addition to the overall victory in Norway and the success at the national championships which has given me this beautiful jersey, the Tour participation was my absolute career highlight," said the Austrian who will also wear the Katusha jersey in 2016.

Haller could quickly outline his goals for the new season. "I want to continue where I stopped in 2015. I just want to be a reliable support at Katusha," he announced.