Lampre-Merida's new recruit Sacha Modolo is highly concentrated and ambitious for a prestigious success this season, and determined to do well to repay the faith shown by the Lampre team, the rider tells cyclingmole.

Modolo's 2014 calender will start in Argentina again, in Tour de San Luis. Then, he'll likely target Milan-San Remo, in which he got a 4th place in 2010, to the surprise of most. Of course, the added climb of the Italian classic will be the main point of discussion. But the Treviso-born rider doesn't object it, despite being a sprinter rather than a puncheur, "I like the location of the San Remo, it is very selective. In my opinion, the key point will always be the Poggio di San Remo. The difference of the added climb, is that previously there'll be 40 riders with legs at the foot of Poggio, now it will contain a maximum of 20 riders. But, I'll get 110% form to compete now. It is now much harder."

After that, Modolo will race Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, both will be his debut participation. Then Giro, which he attended for the last 4 years, will be skipped by the sprinter. Of course, the only reason to do so is to prepare for Tour de France, which is "another adventure" according to Modolo. Although a stage win in the mix of Cavendish, Kittel and Greipel is not that likely, Modolo decides that he'll try his best to claim the victory in the largest scene in road cycling world.

Last year, the Treviso-born rider gathered a total of 9 victories, "It was a good year, although at the beginning of the season I was affected by the scaphoid injury which doesn't allow me to be highly competitive." Even not that competitive, Modolo won a stage in San Luis against Cavendish. This victory greatly encouraged the sprinter, "Beating Cavendish made me realize that I can fight with the big sprinters." Although the Lampre rider could not repeat the feat in the Giro 2013, as he only gained a 2nd place, in the final stage to Brescia, losing to Cavendish, "In Brescia, I did what I was not able to do in the other stages and compete with Mark. Still, the Giro is a disapointing one for me, as I said, I wanted to pick up a stage win." says Modolo.

Most of Modolo's victories last season was earned in China, as he sprinted to six stages in Tour of Qinghai Lake, "In China I was in form and I had a fantastic train that lead me out in a perfect way." He beat Richeze in most stages there, and ironically they're now teammates in Lampre-Merida.