In an interview with Bergens Tidende, Norwegian neo-pro Odd Christian Eiking has said that the main focus for his debut season with FDJ will be the Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

The 20-year-old first-year pro will primarily go to the Ardennes to learn.

“On paper, races like the Ardennes classics suit me the best and that’s what I want to focus on in the coming years,” he told the newspaper.

Wiking has just completed his first training camp with FDJ where he is joined by compatriot Daniel Hoelgaard.

While he will build his form in races like Paris-Nice and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Eiking will be focused on the races for the climbers.

He will start his season in Mallorca in late January, but the main block will start with the Critérium International in late March and includes the tough Tour of the Basque Country in the beginning of April before the Ardennes.

Norwegian TV2 commentator Mads Kaggestad likes the schedule for his young compatriot

“Several races suit him down to the ground. FDJ is good at developing young riders, and the plan they have made for Odd Christian, seems to be good,” said Kaggestad before adding.

“But the schedule is just a starting point. To be allowed to do all those races, Odd Christian must prove that he is good enough.”

Odd Christian Eiking’s schedule:

January 28-31: Mallorca Challenge 
February 11-14: La Méditerranéenne 
February 20-21: Tour du Haut Var 
February 23-25: Tour de Provence 
March 26-27: Critérium International 
April 4-9: Tour of the Basque Country 
April 17: Amstel Gold Race 
April 20: La Fleche Wallonne 
April 24: Liege-Bastogne-Liege

Eiking is also in the pre-selection for Paris-Nice