After taking Olympic Gold in the Omnium in 2012, many expected Lasse Norman Hansen to hit the ground running when he turned pro with Cannondale-Garmin. However, the 23 year old hasn’t had a smooth transition and is now hoping his move to Pro Continental level with Cult Energy-Stölting Group.

“It has been a tough transition from the track to the road,” Hansen admitted to VeloNews. “I’ve seen it done before, and I thought I could do it better than I did. I’m not saying that I didn’t perform well, but the chances I had I didn’t spend wisely, and by doing that I didn’t get all the chances I think I deserved. It’s just been a couple of tough years but that’s my own fault, and I can’t blame anyone else.”

But his time with the American WorldTour team ended well with sixth on GC, as well as a memorable first pro win at the Tour of Alberta. Now though, he has found a team that can let him focus on the track as he prepares to defend his Olympic title this summer against a tough field in Rio.

“I’m aiming straight for Rio right now and trying to qualify for the velodrome,” said Hansen. “My chances look very good at the moment. I am very happy with my second-place finish at the Euro championships behind [Elia] Viviani, who I believe is one of the biggest contenders.”

He also hopes that dropping down a division will give him more chances to ride for himself as he believes the team will play more of an underdog role, despite having big names like Linus Gerdermann and Gerald Ciolek on board.

“The attitude is different, and they are kind of the underdogs, and I like racing from that position,” Hansen concluded. “This is a very organized team and everything about it is good for me.”