Following his big win on the summit finish at the Abu Dhabi Tour, Tanel Kangert is poised to take his maiden stage race GC. The Estonian says this result is a combination of hard work and timing.

"Nibali told me it was his turn to help me this time and he did a good job behind. I knew that I could have done a top 10 or if I was lucky even a top five but being in the lead is quite special for me. I've had my own chances in the past but it was perhaps the wrong time. For example two years ago I was sick when I had chances to target the GC at Vuelta [a España]. It's doesn't always work out."

Kangert has been with Nibali in his two Giro wins (2013, 2016) and his only Tour win in 2014. Kangert says it has been an honour to race at Astana with the Italian.

"I think we've had a good four years together. I hope he's enjoyed his time at Astana too because we've had some good results. He's given me a lot of confidence and I've been honoured to ride for him," Kangert said.

With Nibali leaving the team next season, Kangert will hope to get more chances to lead the Kazakh team in races, though he is aware he is behind Fabio Aru in the pecking order and must alos contend with Jakob Fuglsang, Diego Rosa and Miguel Angel Lopez.

"Things will change next year. We have good riders like Fabio Aru but I hope to be able to do more results next year. I don't know my programme for next year but I'm interested in targeting one-week stage races, such as the Tour de Suisse or the Criterium du Dauphine, where there are mountain stages. I'd also like to do well in the GC at a Grand Tour. Hopefully this success isn’t one just one big day but the start of something else."