Last season Lukas Pöstlberger got a stage win at the Tour of Austria, the overall victory in the An Post Ras and the prologue victory in Istria Spring Trophy which earned him a professional contract with Bora-Argon 18. In the German second division team, the 24-year-old Austrian found himself primarily in a domestique role.

However, Pöstlberger was also able to show his skills as a neo-pro like when he won a stage at the Oberösterreich Rundfahrt (2.2) and got a 10th place at the Druivenkoers Overijse (1.1) in Belgium. "The fact that it was just enough in the end is of course fantastic," said Pöstlberger about his success in his home country where he rode solo in the last 50 kilometers and narrowly held off the peloton. Bora's sports director Christian Pömer added: "It was only a matter of time before Lukas got his first victory."

The fact that the team management believes is the young Austrians is reflected in his racing calendar. He was selected for all spring races, including the Tour of Flanders. "In that way, a childhood dream came true for me,” Pöstlberger told Kurier.at. Unfortunately, he missed Paris-Roubaix due to an injury.

Next season Pöstlberger will again represent the team which will be called Bora-hansgrohe. Due to the prominent new signings like world champion Peter Sagan, there will surely be less freedom but the talented Austrian undoubtedly hopes to be a reliable helper in the classics.