While some riders are turning to cyclo-cross in preparation for the new season, Niki Terpstra has opted for the track. The Dutchman currently participates in the Six Days of Rotterdam and feels that he is on track. "Here in Rotterdam, I feel that I'm at least back on track for the road season," he told De Telegraaf. "In a Six-Day, you really get confirmation that you've had a good winter."

In recent years, the Tour of Qatar was the next point of reference for Terpstra, but his team Etixx-Quick-Step has decided to skip the race. The Dutchman is frustrated that he cannot defend his title but he understands the choice of the team. "If we had done Qatar, we wanted to be in the first echelons. The team believes that we were perhaps in shape a little too early. At first I was frustrated that we will skip Qatar, especcially since it does not occur so often that you will start with number one on your back. However, it does not mean that you always have to do everything in exactly the same way.”

Terpstra will open the road season in the Challenge Mallorca and then do the Tour of Valencia before he heads to Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. But first it is important to defend his title at the Six Days of Rotterdam where he is currently fifth with partner Yoeri Havik. "To ride for the victory in a packed Ahoy remains special. The spectators are so close to you, it's a kick just to be on the bike. I am always motivated here."