Arguably one of the most improved riders of the 2014 season, Michael Matthews, continued his steady development into Simon Gerrans’ natural successor throughout last twelve months, excelling in tricky kind of races with finishes slightly too difficult for pure sprinters but too easy for less dynamic GC contenders. Thanks to his increased versatility, the 25-year old Australian won stages and wore leader’s jerseys in both Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana, but the biggest challenge is expected to come in 2015, as he aims to eventually make his debut in the Tour de France next year.

“My main objectives are the spring classics, TDF and Worlds,“  Matthews revealed in an interview for CiclismoInternacional.

“One of my main goals for this year was to ride well at TDF. It didn’t happened because of my injury so that’s why it’s one of my main focuses for next year”, he said: “I have never raced TDF so don’t know what to expect. I have spoken with Oscar Freire about it and he told me it’s a totally different race from anything else so I will make sure I am 100% ready for it and let’s see.“

Following his truly impressive showing in the opening week of the Italian Grand Tour, the Orica-GreenEDGE fast finisher had been immediately picked as one of the favourites to contend slightly hillier stage finales in the 101st edition of the Tour along the likes of Peter Sagan (Cannondale) or John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano). While the latter two eventually failed to claim expected victories, Matthews didn’t even line-up at the start of la Grande Boucle after he had crashed days before the French three-week event kicked off.

Despite being obviously disappointed, the 25-year old Australian bounced back victorious with another impressive stage victory at the Vuelta a Espana which again provided him with an opportunity to done the leaders jersey, and helping his fellow countryman and team-mate Gerrans into the runner-up spot in the World Championship road race.

“I was going to this race with good shape, knowing that the course was quite suitable for me. Our team leader and captain was Simon Gerrans, who we were riding for, so my main job was to help him.“

Even though the course in Ponferrada was tailor made for Matthews, he claims that he had nothing against working for his more decorated compatriot. The Orica-GreenEDGE rider also reveals that he thoroughly enjoys racing in Spain both because of highly favourable weather conditions and great public, but it is very unlikely for him to return to the Vuelta next year. Instead, he aims to make up for the biggest blow he suffered this season and eventually make his debut at the Tour.

“Yes, I love racing in Spain. The climate is my friend :) The fans in Spain are incredible and it’s always a great experience to race there. I hope I can do some more racing there again next year.“

“I like both the Giro and the Vuelta. We will see how the season will be going, but at this stage the Vuelta is not on my list. “

When it comes to his more short-term plans, Matthews revealed that he won’t participate in the national championships held in January, as this time he has decided to spent the winter-break in Europe.

“I am not competing at nationals in Australia this time. I live in Europe and for this season I decided to stay here and train here too. Amstel is definitely a race I would like to win one year. It’s too early to say who the team will ride for in this particular race next year, there is a lot that could happen between now and then.“

In a longer perspective, the Australian fast-finisher aims to further improve his versatility, especially climbing, aware that he will never be able to threat the likes of Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano), Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) or Arnaud Demare (FDJ) on typically flat finishes.

“I am not a flat sprinter, I can’t beat sprinters like Kittel. My main focus is on a little bit more complicated races and uphill finishes.”