Tratnik has enjoyed his first few months with the team. “I can’t think of a better way to start the season. With Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, we won the first two big one-day races on the calendar. That was great. I immediately felt at home in a group that gave everything for each other. It was also nice to be able to help Jonas at Paris-Nice. I enjoyed it. I’m happy to be part of this team.”

The Slovenian has recently been training on the Teide in Tenerife in preparation for the Giro d’Italia in early May. “Tenerife is starting to feel like home”, he says with a smile. “I have been here for roughly 45 days throughout the past three months. It is the best place to prepare for the Giro, which is one of the big goals for Primoz and the team this season. I am happy with my preparation. Considering the three challenging weeks ahead, all has gone well. But first the focus is on Liège.”

Liège-Bastogne-Liège is Tratnik’s last race before the Italian stage race. It will also be his first appearance at the Walloon monument. “In past years, Liège-Bastogne-Liège never fitted into my schedule. After a long period without races, I’ll be able to ride it this year. My last race was Milan-Sanremo, so I look forward to wearing a number again.”

The riders will face 258 kilometres this Sunday. Along the way, they will encounter iconic climbs such as the Côte de la Redoute and the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. “I honestly don’t know what to expect. Because this is my first appearance, my course knowledge is limited. I’m hoping I’ll be able to compete with the better riders in the final.”

In addition to Tratnik, Tiesj Benoot, Attila Valter, Gijs Leemreize, and Michel Hessmann will be at the start on Sunday for Team Jumbo-Visma.