Despite having been crowned winner of the prestigious Giglio d’Oro award in Italy, Giacomo Nizzolo wants even more next year. The Italian Championships, the red jersey at the Giro d’Italia and the fifth place at the World Championships are not enough for the Trek - Segafredo  who is not satisfied with his season.

Nizzolo had a good end to the seasonm topped by the successes in Coppa Bernocchi and Giro del Piemonte, and confirmed that he is more than a sprinter. Now he has set his sights on the classics, also those in the North.

"I am delighted to have won the Giglio D'Oro because it is an award based on the results I have achieved," the 27 year-old said. He makes it clear that the 2016 season "has given additional motivation and determination."

But "next year will be very important," he added at the award ceremony which took place yesterday.

"For the future, I will aim for the classics, even those in the North. The pavé does not scare me." 

Nizzolo is famously known for his many places of honour and the goal is to turn some of those into victories.

"So it will be necessary to prepare to perfection.”

Nizzolo will have to share the leadership on the cobbles with John Degenkolb.