U23 World Champion Sven Erik Bystrom has talked to Ciclo21 about the challenges he believes he will face in his first year as a pro with Katusha.

“There will be a big difference. But I have the desire to evolve as a rider and I want to learn step by step and I think this team is perfect for this. I have a good program that I think will help me a lot to become a good rider.”

He has returned from the team’s recent training camp in Calpe, Spain, and he knows virtually his full schedule for 2015, providing nothing bad happens along the way.

“If nothing happens, I will be in Qatar and some of the classics, but I will have the opportunity to find results in smaller races. I think for me it will be very good to start in races where my role will be to help the team and especially Alexander Kristoff in the classics. The truth is that I am looking forward to starting my pro career.”

As a World Champion, Bystrom looks like he can challenge for senior titles in the Worlds and the other big one-day races, like Liege and Lombardy.

“I love one-day races like the Worlds. Especially, I like testing some mountainous difficulty, so I think the best I can give are races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Amstel Gold Race ... In the future I think those are good races for me. I also really like racing with cobblestones, so in the next two years, I will have to discover what races are best suited to my talents.”

Despite his World Champion status, like most U23 riders in their neo-pro year, Bystrom is looking to develop his abilities in 2015, rather than target specific results.

“The first thing I want is to learn and become a better rider. Go step by step. If I get the chance to play my cards then perhaps I can get a victory this year. That I do not know, but do a good job for the team will be my priority. Secondarily, of course, I wish I could show my ability and do some good results.”