Two months after finishing 6th at the Tour Down Under, Domenico Pozzovivo finished a grueling Tirreno Adriatico in 8th.

"I had a great week," he said. "This Tirreno Adriatico was an important test for me. I wanted to return to the highest level in this race. I had confirmation that I didn't lose anything after my operation. Throughout the week, I was really glad to see that the team had confidence in me.

"I I broke the tibia and fibula last year. After the Tour Down Under, the plates had to be removed. I was off the bike for eight days. I was able to resume training earlier than planned. Basically, I thought I could be successful at the Tour of Catalonia (23-29 March). Again I am ahead of schedule.  There was only one difficult stage. I would have preferred the course of previous years."

Pozzovivo now goes to the Volta a Catalunya with great ambitions.

"I want to follow the best and if I have the opportunity, I will not hesitate to attack. With Romain (Bardet), we can form a beautiful duo. With two riders, you are always stronger. "