Jacob Hennessy, 22

How’s italy?

Where I live is pretty much the best place in the world to ride a bike. We can do pan-flat rides around the lakes or long climbs that average 10 per cent. We all live together in apartments, have learned Italian, socialise a lot and I’m debating moving here permanently.

How’s the team?

It’s basically an extension of what was the U23 Cycling Australia Academy so we are seriously looked after. We live opposite the DSS and have a training centre down the road. It’s a relaxed team but every race we go to win.

How’s your season been?

My worst ever in terms of results. I changed my coach during the winter and straight away it didn’t feel right. I started doing my own coaching and felt a million times better but broke my collarbone and shoulder at the ZLM Tour.

What happened after?

I got my head kicked in at the Baby Giro. I got two podiums at the Tour of Qinghai Lake and am targeting stages at the Tour of Hainan next week.

What have you learned?

I have a clearer picture of what does and doesn’t work, coaching-wise.

next season?

I’m moving to a new Continental team based in Europe. I had a lot of interest from Worldtour and Pro-conti teams at the start of the season; hopefully they will call again.