It is my third time in Australia for the Tour Down Under. The crowds are getting bigger and bigger every year here. They are really supportive during at the race, but also when we are coming and going from the hotel.

It's a pleasure to come here in January because back in Europe it's been raining and only seven degrees. Here there is sunshine and some well-balanced stages.

I make sure to put on sun block so I can deal with the sun. I remember that the final days last year it was 46 degrees, which was too much. This time it's been perfect – 30 degrees.

During the season, I base my self in southern Europe. I live just North of Lucca, in Tuscany. We have a small group of Danish guys there: Anders Lund, Matti Breschel... It is a good area for us to train.