Oscar Gatto is ready for the new adventure with Astana. After a "very good year" at Tinkoff which allowed him to become aware of his capabilities", the Italian plans to have "more responsibility" and often take the leadership role.

"The team believes in me for the races in Belgium," he told SpazioCiclismo at the recent team gathering. "It is surely time for me to take my responsibilities and try to bring home a great result." 

His schedule will be focused particularly on the first half of the season where he aims for "a good start, but not too good, from the Tour Down Under " where it will be important now to find the right feeling without missing too much "because in a moment you find yourself in late February at the Omloop Het Nieuwsbald , in Belgium.”

It is in the northern part of Europe that he has his big goals.

"The favorite race is Paris - Roubaix although I have never managed to finish it in my first five participations. But it always remains my favorite race. In the end, however, it can be said that all the classics are at the same level of importance, even if Roubaix has something extra. The Tour of Flanders is a beautiful race, and I have always been in contention there but I can also improve." 

He also adds Milano - Sanremo to the list of his favourite races. Before the big classics, he will use Strade Bianche and Tirreno – Adriatico to get ready.

"I'd be happy if I could realize some dreams this season,” he said. “Obviously dreams are difficult to achieve, but you always try. I hope for a victory in a classic or being competitive in all the races I will take part in.”

It will be a crucial winter and for the moment, Gatto does not look much further. Step by step, he has started the preparation. He wants to end his year with a good performance at the Worlds in Bergen where the course should suit him well.