Marcel Kittel (Giant-Alpecin) will make his Tour of Qatar debut on Sunday, but the German is opting to feel his way into the race instead of trying to predict how many stages he can possibly win.

The race is typically decided by crosswinds and bunch sprints, but with a 10.9-kilometer time trial added this year, Kittel is seen as a true contender for the overall victory.

Kittel started this year’s season in Australia at the Tour Down Under, and he will return to racing in Qatar looking to capitalize on a strong lead-out from Giant-Alpecin.

“We have a good team here and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see how my legs are because this is a new combination of races with Tour Down Under and now Qatar. In between I was at home so the climate change had an influence on me but I’m confident and curious coming into the race,” he told reporters in Doha on Saturday.

“I think we have an experienced team not only when it comes to the race but when it comes to sprints and the crosswinds. I think we should be able to make something out of it. Personally I’d like to get a feel for the race before I can say what I can really expect.”

Kittel’s experience in the time trial gives him an advantage over the rest of the sprinting elite in the race.

“The time trial is the race of truth, as they say, and it will be decisive for this race. With Bradley Wiggins here the competition is really high. I just need to give my best,” he said.