Stefan Denifl has switched to his third professional team in as many years, after debuting in the pro ranks for the Cervélo Test Team and riding for Leopard Trek last year. The Austrian is on the hunt for his first win with World Tour team Vacansoleil-DCM and says he already feels at home.
“It’s great,” he commented to VeloNation, when asked about the environment at the new team. “I really enjoyed my first camps and get together with Vacansoleil-DCM. It’s professional and organized, like it should be. Cool team-mates and motivated staff…I am looking forward to starting the season.”
Denifl has come close to victory on a number of occasions during the last two years but has just fallen short. He is looking at rectifying that this year, taking confidence from a strong finish to last season where he was fifth in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal and ninth in the GP de Wallonie. Both are tough races and show he’s got the ability to contend.
“I want my first pro win. That's my major goal!,” he asserted. “I will do my job as a helper but I will get my own chances too.
“This is an important year for me. I’ve been close to winning several times in the last two years, so I should go for it now.”
Denifl is one of twelve new recruits who will be hoping to impress their new employer quickly once the racing starts. He’ll have his first opportunity come February when he heads to France for the start of his season.
“My first races will be Tour de Mediterranean and Tour Du Haut Var, both in France. After that Clasica de Almeria followed by races mostly in Spain. I want to be fit for the Ardennes Classics. That's my start to the season and after that we will see.”