Luca Paolini expects a strong start to the season after one of his best ever off-seasons in seven years as a professional. The rider from Milan has been spending the winter away from home to avoid harsh weather conditions.
"I have the desire to do well right away with the season's start. I respected the rules of the life of a cyclist closer this winter. I had a few sweets or Panettone less," said Paolini to Cyclingnews.
Paolini spent a week in Valencia, Spain, with teammate Stefano Garzelli prior to Team Acqua & Sapone's training camp in Sardegna, Italy. He plans to return to visit Garzelli with teammates Massimo Codol and Dario Andriotto this weekend for a two-week stay.
"Here in northern Italy it is very difficult to train. ... I heard from Garzelli that it is 20°C in Valencia, so it makes sense."
"Then there is immediately the Méditerranéen Tour and Laigueglia. ... I would like to have a try in Méditerranéen."
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RCS Sport will announce the teams to its key races towards the end of this month or early February. Paolini will know then if his Acqua & Sapone team will race in Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo and the Giro d'Italia.
