Alexander Kristoff’s ambitions for the cycling year have been underlined by two stage wins in the Tour of Qatar. The winner of Milan-Sanremo last year wants to do this year at least as good as last season and is dreaming aloud about the Tour of Flanders.

"I've had a good winter, without disease," said Kristoff in Qatar to Sporza. "I did what I had to do and I feel ready for the season."

"My dream is the Tour of Flanders this year. I dream of the Tour of Flanders, but also to win again in Sanremo. It's never easy, but the focus is on the classics."

Kristoff's dreams are realistic, proved last season when the Norwegian was fifth in Flanders. "Maybe I could follow the best riders last year on the Kwaremont. I waited too long. At the end I was strong, but I could not close the gap."

"I had the legs but no the head required in the Ronde. I thought I was not as strong as the others. But on a good day I can follow them and I have a good sprint. When I go to the finish line with them, I can win. "

With his strong body, Kristoff also seems made for Paris-Roubaix, but he is less convinced. "I'm more for Flanders. Last year I crashed in Paris-Roubaix, before I even finished ninth. I can do better, but I'm more for Flanders. It makes me feel better. The short climbs might suit me better.”