Having secured a contract with Movistar very late in the year, Pablo Lastras is ready for his 18th season as a professional. The Spaniard has released a letter to his fans to make it clear that he is ready for the challenges.

Below you can read Pablo Lastras' letter:

"A good season begins with a great break and I've been on vacation for 35 days without doing anything: a week with my friends in Isla Cristina in Huelva, a week in Switzerland, doing a course; one week in my hometown where I received a nice tribute from my neighbors and a week in Pamplona that coincided with the gathering of Movistar Team. This will prepare me for what will be my 18th season as a pro and the 21st in Eusebio Unzue's structure.

"We made a photo to illustrate this and it will reveal the secrets of my many races. Like my notebook where I have collected all my data. It is a journal with plenty of useful information that I can use.

"I began my training on December 1 and the truth is I can only say that it hurts a lot. I ride my bike and do some gym, pilates and core excercise. I will do so for two months, especially in January. I will be at a training camp for 20 days, the first 10 on my own with some mates to animate me and the other 10 with the whole team.

"From there I will go to the start of the season, beginning with the "Turban Tour" where I will ride the Dubai Tour and the Tours of Qatar and Oman.

"I hope you will continue to support and encourage me and believe in cycling!"