Aidis Kruopis, according to our predictions, has started his third season in the Orica-GreenEDGE outfit in a good disposition what was proved in the finale of a very demanding 4th stage of Tour of Qatar, as he managed to cross the finish line forth behind Tom Boonen, Andre Greipel and Barry Markus, while yesterday only Andre Greipel was able to outsprint a powerful Lithuanian.

Considering his impressive physique, one of the Orica-GreenEDGE sprinters certainly have what it takes to generate some explosive power when the race comes to its conclusion, and he proved this ability by claiming five victories during his first two years ridden under the banner of the Australian World Tour team. Even though the being provided with a support of the highly reliable Orica-GreenEDGE train has to be a flighty thing as there is a bunch of successful sprinters, to mention only Michael Matthhews, Matthew Gos or Leigh Howard, in the Australian outfit, but Kruopis hopes for further improvement and aims to seize more opportunities this season than he has done recently.

"I hope to take another step forward and achieve as many victories as possible. I'm really focused on doing better in the sprints, I think I have worked really well and I hope to prove it on the road. I feel stronger than last year and I want to progress and the team will support me to achieve this, " he said.

Considering the fact, that the Lithuanian sprinter did exceptionally well in the Tour of Qatar and still hopes for more while being backed by experienced team mates in the likes of Hayman, Hepburn, Lancaster, Mouris, Keukeleire and Howard, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if Kruopis were handed more such opportunities in the future. As it is very well known, for sprinters it is always all about numbers, however he doesn’t mind playing the supporting role for other riders of the Australian team.

"I have my own opportunities and sometimes I have to help other riders, I can do both well . Matthews , Howard ... There are very fast riders in the team . We cooperate with each other, depending on who you is in a better shape and the stage characteristics . I have no problem working for them. Personally, I prefer the flat - downhill finishes, uphill ones are not favorable for me," he explains.

Objectives for the 2014 season are very well defined for the Lithuanian sprinter, as he will finally debut in the grand tour race at this year’s Giro d’Italia. Before he does, tour de Langkawi, cobbled Classics and Tour of Turkey feature in his racing calendar.

"Ghent -Wevelgem would be the best option, perhaps also Harelbeke or even Roubaix and Flanders, but [the latter two] may be too hard for me. I have to take few more steps forward hoping that I will ride the Tour one day. "

Concluding the interview, Kruopis praises the colorful Australian squad for the incomparable atmosphere and providing him with the necessary amount of support, needed to push his career forward.

"If I could choose, I would stay here.”

“I'm happy, it's a very good team which supports me, there is a great atmosphere. Everything works fine."