Last Sunayd José Joaquín Rojas ended  his best Paris-Nice. He was 16th in 2011 and 2012 and 57th in 2013. This time he just missed the podium and was second in the final stage behind Frenchman Arthur Vichot - the two worst positions for a cyclist who wants to win. 

 

"Although I would have liked to obtain it, it hurts less to miss the podium," he said. "It made me really sad not tow in the stage we were looking for in all stages as I could really have done it this time. I was boxed in a bit and I had no time to come back. I am ecpecially sorry for my teammates who have worked well and I could not pay them back with a victory. "

 

The victories elude he Movistar rider from Murcia. He hasn't won for two years as his most recent win was the first stage of the 2012 Tour of the Basque Country, and it is a long time for a sprinter. 

 

"Actually, things don't go the way I would have wanted," he said. "Hobody wants to win more than me but for one reason or another I always miss out. I hope I can change the bad streak."

 

Rojas stays positive as he has just come back from a scaphoid fracture sustained in the second stage of the Tour Down Under and a subsequent infection.

 

"I did not lose much condition duringmy break. I was back in training soon and the truth is that I felt very good in France."

 

Now the first big classic of the season awaits the sprinter who arrives with ambition and good form. In 2011 he was 14th and in 2013 25th. In his third appearance, he aspires to do something more. 

 

"I feel good and have a big desire. Goals? I always aspire to the the maximum. One day luck will smile at you  and I try to be prepared. If I was  to win Sanremo, I would be pleased," he smiles.

 

We will have a preview of the race online later in the week.