JJ Lobato of Movistar has said that his victory in the third stage of the Dubai Tour has made him very happy.
"This victory makes me immensely excited and happy - I owe everything to my team-mates for their support," Lobato said to his team's press office.
"We knew we had to stay calm until the downhill after the last climb and give everything afterwards. They all were phenomenal in the finale, just like throughout the race. I knew the climb from last year's finish and it was one that really liked and suited me. I learnt there that being in a good position into that last corner right was crucial; last year I couldn't get things done right, but this time was the good one.
"I've worked really hard during the winter and this is a reward for that sacrifice, a proof that my condition is perfect at the moment and an extra boost of morale for the spring. I want to do well in the classics - it's been long spoken about Sanremo and me; the team likes the race, I personally love it and I want to keep that form coming. I put too much pressure on myself last season and couldn't be up there - let's hope we make it in 2016. I also think about those other classics: Gent-Wevelgem, De Ronde... I won't focus entirely on them, to avoid that pressure, but I'd still like to give them a try.
"For the time being, I'm already very happy to get my first win of the season here. Tomorrow? Let's hope I still stand a chance to win overall; I'm happy with today's success, but last year I took more risks into that flat finish and even got a 3rd place. You never know; it's still at my reach.
"This victory is a tribute to my son, José, born three months ago, and Adriano Malori. I hope he can return to Italy soon and recover perfectly well. Everyone at this team thinks of him everyday."