February heralds the start of the northern hemisphere cycling season and Bermudian Nicholas Narraway gets his wheels turning in the Tucson Classic.

The four-day race in Arizona starts on Friday and begins with the Marana Time-Trial, which is followed on successive days by the Sahuarita Road Race, the Rio Nuevo Criterium and the Oro Valley Circuit Race.

Narraway, who recently signed for US-based team Competitive Edge Racing, feels he has had a great offseason and is ready for his return to the road.

“The off season went really well,” Narraway said. “I was able to take some proper recovery time and then build back steadily with a strong training block. Everything has gone according to plan so far and I’m feeling fit and motivated heading into Tucson.

“It’s always hard to know exactly where you stand until the racing starts, but I feel prepared and ready for that first real test.

“The goal for the four days is to be competitive throughout and support the team’s overall objectives. I’d like to be in the mix, especially on the stages that suit my strengths, but early-season racing is also about sharpening up the legs and building confidence again. If the opportunity presents itself, I’d love to go for a result, but the main aim is to start the season strongly as a team.”

Narraway will be focused mostly on racing in the US this year, although his new team does offer the opportunity to compete in Europe or South America from the summer onwards.

The 23-year-old made a significant breakthrough while racing in Europe last year, winning his first national championship and bringing home a gold medal from the Caribbean Championships, and he hopes for more progress this year.

“Winning those titles was a huge milestone and something I’m very proud of,” Narraway said.

“With success naturally comes expectation, but I see that more as motivation than pressure. It gives me confidence knowing I can perform at that level, and it pushes me to keep raising the bar. The focus this year is on continuing to develop and building on that momentum and having more success.

“Racing in Europe was an incredible experience and I learnt a huge amount from being in such a competitive environment and definitely proved I’m more than capable in the depth of field.”