On Saturday I started my ninth professional season. Like last year, the Tour of California is the kick-off to the season. I've been training in the US for around two weeks. Although at the beginning we were dealing with 30-degree summer conditions, even here the weather has turned and now it's around 13 degrees. At times it's even raining.

The last few days we adapted the training to suit the weather and trained in time intervals. I was dressed as warmly as possible, and yet I got a slight cold. This didn't have a negative effect on me, however, on the 3.9 km-long prologue time trial in Sacramento on Saturday. I wasn't nervous before the season start, just trying to get into my usual rhythm.

Preparation for a stage lasts a bit longer than later in the season. In contrast to the previous year, the Tour of California has gained in prestige and reputation. Many journalists accompany the onlookers, and television stations such as Eurosport broadcast the race live. The Tour was extended by one day and is more demanding than last year in terms of topography ' conditions that demand a good early season form.

This week will be an indication for the rest of the season for me. I have no ambitions. I'm just happy to be able to go to the start with no stress so early in the season. I won't feel pressure until later in the season.

For the season opening I only wish for myself the best possible headlines for the sport of cycling. See you soon. Yours, Fabian.