Intxausti raring to go

Benat over his long illness and ready to get back in the mix at the Tour of Slovenia.

In whatever walk of life it helps to get off to a good start somewhere new - particularly in a new job.

Back in February Benat Intxausti did just that. After joining Team Sky from Movistar ahead of the 2016 season the 30 year old slotted straight into the fold and, after a solid season-opener at the Mallorca Challenge, he headed to the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in good spirits.

And the Spaniard produced a fine performance, finishing third overall in support of team-mate Wout Poels, who claimed an impressive victory.

But then Benat was cruelly struck down by illness at the worst possible time, keeping him off his bike for three months - and ruling him out of the Giro d'Italia.

He was diagnosed with mononucleosis - also known as glandular fever - but now, four months on, he's back and ready for the Tour of Slovenia.

Benat said: "I was very excited to start working for the team and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana was great! But then I was struck down with this disease and it hit me hard. It's taken a long time to recover.

"I was unable to train for three months but I've been back on the road for a month now and I am really looking forward to being back racing again. In the past I've had some injuries that lasted a month or more, but this was definitely the longest illness I've had."

One of Intxausti's early-season goals was to ride the Giro in support of compatriot Mikel Landa, and it's clear he was gutted to miss the Italian Grand Tour.

Now he's back on his bike though, he's starting to look ahead: "I was so upset to miss the Giro," he admitted. "It is one of my favourite races and it was really tough to watch it from home. I was so keen to ride and help Mikel.

"But now though, I want to come back and compete again, and hopefully I can have a strong second half of the season - and a really successful Vuelta a la Espana.

"The Tour of Slovenia is a good race to start with too. The route is very demanding with several mountains and tough summit finishes."

Intxausti also admits that he's missed the camaraderie of riding with his team-mates and he's looking forward to helping Gianni Moscon - who he believes has got a 'very promising future ahead' - in Slovenia.

"I am so happy in the team. At our winter training camps during the off-season I felt comfortable and I'm so motivated to get back together with the guys.

"I can't wait."