By Gregor Brown

Luca Paolini expects a strong start to the season after one of his best eve💦r off-seasons in seven years as a professional. The rider from Milan has been spending the winter away from home to avoid harsh weather conditions.

"I have the desire to do well right away with the season's start. I respected the rules of the life of a cyclist closer this winter. I had a few sweets or Panettone less," said Paolini to Cyclingnews.

Paolini spent a week in 🐻Valencia, Spain, with teammate Stefano Garzelli prior to Team Acqua & Sapone's training camp in Sardegna, Italy. He plans to return to visit Garzelli with teammates Massimo Codol and Dario Andriotto this weekend for a two-week stay.

"Here in northern Italy it is very difficult to train. ... I heard from Gaꦬrzelli that it is 20°C in Valencia, so it makes sense."

Paolini, winner of a🥂nd in 2008, will start 2009 with the GP Etruschi, February 7.

"Then there is immediately the Méditerranéen Tour and Laigueglia. ... I would like♎ to have a try in Méditerranéen."

RCS Sport will announce the teams to its key races towards 🥀the end of this month or early February. Paolini will know then if his Acqua & Sapone team will race in Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo and the Giro d'Italia.