Przemyslaw Niemiec is working on his time trialling and again aims at the Giro d'Italia

After extending his contract with Lampre-Merida for the next two seasons, Przemyslaw Niemiec has peache in mind. Working together with Michele Bartoli, the 34-year-old wants to shine in the Giro d'Italia in May after the 2014 edition turned out to be an unfortunate one. His dreams of success in the grand tour ended when he crashed in the stage to Montecassino. But one year earlier, Niemiec finished 6th overall in the Giro. Is he hoping for a similar result? Not necesarrily. His stage win in the Vuelta a Espana has promoted him to consider a change of tactics for the grand tours.

"In the Vuelta, I showed that I can win a stage. When I signed the contract, general manager Giuseppe Saronni said that I should consider whether I want to fight for the GC in the grand tours or lose time in the beginning to try to fight for stage wins. I will think about it because now is the right time to do so," Niemiec told Przeglad Sportowy. "After the first week of the Giro, I will see how I feel. If I am able to fight for three weeks, I will probably try to finish in the top 10. If I don't, I will let go, lose some time and look for a chance in select stages."

In his preparations, Niemiec is currenly working with Michele Bartoli. The 44-year-old former rider, winner of the World Cup in 1997 and 1998, has won two stages in the Giro d'Italia, a lot of classics and two bronze medals at the Worlds. He may not have been a time trial specialist but this is the discipline in which he is now helping the Pole.

"I was in the wind tunnel. We have gound the right position on the bike, we measured my power and now I use a coaching plan. In my training, I focus on time trials. I have the equipment at home. Every week I spend one day on my time trial bike," Niemiec explained.

Niemiec will start his season at the Tour de San Luis (January 18-25) in Argentina. In the mountainous race, he will be up against compatriot and world champion Michal Kwiatkowski.

"My schedule will look like last year's, with the main difference being that I will start my season a bit earlier. In 8 days, we will have the first gathering. I have already resumed by training after the post-season break. So far everythig goes according to plan although I have had to start a bit earlier due to the race in Argentina. My main goals are the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a Espana and Tour de Pologne. For the 13th time, I will do the Giro del Trentino. This is the only race I have done every year since I turned professional and I really like it. It is still uncertain who will be at my side in the grand tours. We will probably decided at the first team gathering. Of course we look forward to clarify the situation with Diego Ulissi," Niemiec says.

Ulissi tested positive for asthma medication Salbutamol during the Giro. Although he had received a permission to use the substance, the amount in his body was twice as much as the allowed limit. After his suspension, Ulissi rode one race in Septemerb but he has again been provisionally suspended. He will face a hearing at the Swiss Cycling Federation on December 23.

"After signing the contract, I am calm. I believe I can still show what I can do. When I look at the situation on the market, my two-year contract is a relief. It is evident in my team wher only 3 or 4 riders have two-year contracts. I can see that I am appreciated by the team. I hope it is not my last professional contract because cycling is still a lot of fun and I would like to rider for a few more seasons," Niemiec said.