He was known as a party guy but that time is now behind him. This week he finished second in Brabantse Pijl and last year he won stages in both the Giro and the Vuelta: Michael 'Bling' Matthews. The 24-year-old Australian is confident when it comes to the Amstel Gold Race.

"Courses with a finish that rises slightly, suit me," he told NOS. "My goal this year is to ride harder races so the Amstel Gold Race suits me. With flat sprints I have a lot more trouble."

Matthews has not always been totally focused on the bike. "In the past, I was really a party guy," said the Australian who is known as 'Bling'. "I was always the first on the dance floor, but now that's impossible. I have put that on hold during my cycling career."

Until now, he has been very successul. In 2010, he was U23 world champion and this year he has won stages in Paris-Nice and Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

"I'm older, more mature," said Matthews. "However, I remain a happy person and I enjoy my life. Whenever it's possible, I am smiling."