Tinkoff is heading to Malaysia for the eight-stage Tour de Langkawi with a squad where young riders take a prominent role. Hansen will be Tinkoff's man for the GC and the sole mountain stage while Michael Kolar and Erik Baška will take their chances in a race that traditionally favors sprinters.

Tinkoff will rely on young but versatile riders and will field Jersper Hansen, Michael Kolar, Erik Baška, Evgeny Petrov, Michael Gogl and Juraj Sagan.

Jan Valach, Tinkoff's Slovak sport director, will cut his teeth in the Malaysian race as he will be taking a leading role for the first time since he joined the team. "I am very motivated and I will strive to do my best for the riders, the staff and the entire team. I wouldn't say I'm nervous but it is, undoubtedly, a big responsibility to be the head of the squad in the race", commented Valach on his new role.

"Tour de Langkawi is a fast race and out of the eight stages, seven are better suited to sprinters and just one favors the climbers. For that reason, I think we have the right mix of riders to tackle the race. We bring two young sprinters, Michael Kolar and Erik Baška, who will be the ones to go for the sprints. Jesper Hansen, who took sixth overall last year, will take the reins in the queen stage and will count on Evgeny Petrov's help in the tough climb to the finish. Juraj Sagan and Michael Gogl will provide valuable support in the sprints and the climbs as well as join the breakaways", said Valach.

With the bulk of the team competing in Europe, Valach considers the Tour de Langkawi a good opportunity for the young riders to prove themselves and get racing miles under their belts.

"They are sprinters and I consider it very good to give them this chance. We have seven stages where we can assess their form and there are plenty of opportunities for them to perform. For example, the second stage features two small climbs, with 15km to go. The second climb is three kilometers long and a selection will probably take place there, leading to a reduced sprint at the finish. There are also stages with fast sprints, for pure sprinters, and I think that Kolar and Baška have what it takes to have a shot in both cases", commented Valach.

Valach sees the shape of the riders on the ascent at this stage of the season. "Gogl raced in Tour Down Under and Dubai Tour and I consider his condition to be good. He's a skillful young rider, a team player and worked very well in Australia to support Jay McCarthy in the sprints. Kolar took part in Dubai and managed to get two top-ten finishes against some of the world's best and strongest sprinters. I think his legs are ready for a good result".

"Baška was also in Dubai and took ninth in one of the stages. I think that with a bit of luck and if we play our cards right, he could have a good result as well, and hopefully, together with Kolar get a stage win for the team. They are strong, fast and we will do what is required to help them", said Valach.

Hansen will head to Malaysia, leading the team's efforts, on the back of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina and the high-altitude camp in Sierra Nevada. "Last year I finished sixth in the GC and my goal now is to do better. In Argentina I wasn't able to perform as I was ill but I now start feeling definitely better. I got speed into my legs and I will try to give my best for the team", commented the young Dane.

Hansen will count on Petrov's support for the shorter but all-important fourth stage from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands where the race is expected to be settled among the climbers. The stage finishes atop a 30km climb that becomes challenging in the final 15km.

"For Petrov this will mark his race debut in 2016. He has a long season ahead and the guys will work to place him with Hansen for the decisive climb of the queen stage. Last but certainly not least, Juraj Sagan showed his early-season form in Dubai, and I feel confident he will perform wherever the team requires it", concluded Valach.