Peter Sagan of Cannondale had a low-key start to 2014 season, marked by some spoiled opportunities to get an early victory on flat stages in Dubai, but was very keen to win his first race at one of the stages of the Tour of Oman, which are highly suitable to the ingenious Slovakian as he was opening his account there in two previous years. However, the first important goals are yet to come for the Cannondale leader, as he aims to significantly shorten his distance to Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara in the spring classics.

Sagan didn’t need more than three stages in the last stint in the Middle East last two years to leave his mark and claim the first victory of the season, this year, however, the history won’t repeat itself as the Cannondale leader have experienced just another near miss finishing runner up to in-form Andre Greipel of Lotto Belisol on a perfectly matching his characteristics third stage of the Tour of Oman. Still, the Omani race will offer the Slovak another opportunity to continue the two-year trend.

“I’d like to continue this trend, but it’s not a priority. I want to be in shape for San Remo, Roubaix and Tour of Flanders knowing whose races suit me best and are the most beautiful, I’d really like to win there,” Sagan told L’Equipe

In addition to finishing runner-up to Andre Greipel at the Tour of Oman third stage, Sagan was oversprinted by quickly improving Sasha Modolo of Lampre-Merida in Argentina and twice by Marcel Kittel of Giant-Shimano in Dubai.
 

“I rode in San Luis before Dubai, where I crashed, what means travelling a lot, many flight hours, jet lag.. so I don’t know where I am, really.”

The 24-year old Slovakian rider claimed impressive 21 victories last season, including Ghent-Wavelgem, and was second in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, E3 Harelbeke and Tour of Flanders.

“Last three years I was discovering those races, and obviously I’ve made mistakes. The experience and track records speak for Boonen and Cancellara, I can’t say I’m going to beat this year and I don’t want to stress myself about it. You may need to wait ten years, but I hope to get closer to them,” Sagan confirmed his main goals for 2014 season.

His schedule is as follows : GP Camaiore, Strade Bianche , Tirreno -Adriatico , Milan -San Remo, Harelbeke, Tour of Flanders , Ghent -Wevelgem , Paris -Roubaix , Tour of California and Tour de France.