Ryder Hesjedal of Trek-Segafredo and Canada knows that as he is getting older, he must train more to stay on top of his game. He is preparing for one more try at the Giro d’Italia, which he won in 2012.

"It seems the older I get the more I need to train," he told Winnipeg Free Post. "I need to race to get my good condition. This is a perfect opportunity to kind of combine that."

Hesjedal says the Tour Down Under is a rare chance to race without pressure and trying to get a result.

"You don't really have the luxury too often to go to a race without really trying to get a result for the team. But it's January and there was space." he said. "The team allowed me to come here and not have to worry about being in top shape. It's too early in January when my objectives are later."

Trek will allow Hesjedal to lead their Giro team before supporting their leader, Bauke Mollema at the Tour de France. 

"I'm excited to do that and take that opportunity. The team's really backing me for that as the main objective. That's what I know. I was able to do a good ride again last year. I felt I had podium legs. That keeps you hungry. I want to go there and try and do that again," he said about the Giro.

Hesjedal also wants to do the Olympics, which takes place on a course in Rio that he thinks is the toughest and Olympics or Worlds have ever been held on.

"It's clear the course will probably be the hardest circuit we'll have ever seen for a Games or a world championship," said Hesjedal.