Time trial world champion Tobias Foss makes his season debut on the Volta ao Algarve on Wednesday and hopes the stage 5 time trial round Lagoa can assist him end on the ultimate podium.
Foss regarded set to not less than podium finally yr’s race however he and Sergio Higuita then crashed earlier than the road and had been pressured to stroll their bikes to the end.
25-year-old Foss shocked the world when he triumphed within the 34.2km time trial round Wollongong forward of Stefan Kung and Remco Evenepoel and can put on his new rainbow jersey for only a second time within the Volta ao Algarve time trial.
With Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard set to make his season debut at O Gran Camiño subsequent week and Primoz Roglic nonetheless engaged on his kind after detailed surgical procedure on his shoulder, Foss will lead a younger Jumbo-Visma outfit within the south of Portugal, hoping to enhance on his sixth place end from the race final yr. Additionally within the workforce are Tim Van Dijke, Gijs Leemreize, Milan Vader, Sam Oomen, and Owen Geleijn.
“I wish to get constant outcomes this season. Hopefully, this week within the Algarve would be the begin of that. It’s one in all my private objectives for the season,” he mentioned by way of Jumbo-Visma.
“I really feel excellent proper now. The winter went very properly. The coaching has been good, and I’ve been capable of do a variety of kilometres. I can’t wait to start out racing once more.”
Foss will attempt to stick with the opposite total contenders on stage 2 and 4, then make his distinction within the Lagoa time trial. His greatest rivals are maybe Thymen Arensman and Tom Pidock of Ineos Grenadiers, João Almeida (UAE Group Emirates) and one other native rider Rui Costa (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty).
“The time trial course is nearly 25 kilometres lengthy and is ideal for me. It is rather technical and hilly,” Foss mentioned.
After solely getting to indicate off his new rainbow bands as soon as on the Chrono des Nations, Foss is happy on the ‘particular’ likelihood to ‘present it off to the world’ in Portugal.
“The jersey actually gave me wings. Hopefully, it can occur once more this season. I’m much more assured in the beginning of a time trial. I do know I can win a race on the highest stage,” he mentioned.
