This week's second and final training camp in Valencia marks a significant point in Team Sky's debut season - we fired a few questions at Michael Barry to get his unique perspective on how the team are primed for the campaign ahead:

TeamSky.com: How has this camp differed to the one in January, and was a big part of the first one the guys getting to know each other?

Michael Barry: The camp is going very well. We have managed to get in a good workload despite some rainy days and have been able to sharpen up for the coming races. For many of us this is the last big training block we'll have as we'll be racing nonstop from the next few months. Each hour we spend together the bond grows as a team. These camps are crucial as we spend virtually every hour of the day with our teammates.

TS: The training itself sounds different too this time. We were speaking to Simon Gerrans earlier and he said that while there were plenty of longer routes in January, the intensity has moved up a level this time.

MB: Yes, we have been working on specifics: harder efforts which are analyzed by the coaches afterwards so that we can learn how to improve and what fitness level we are at currently. We have a smaller group here this time, so the training has been a little different as the intensity and workload has increased as we spend less time in the draft of teammates. Basically, to use an analogy, we came to the last camp with a piece of steel and turned it into a knife. At this camp we're turning that knife into a razor.

TS: You've got plenty of experience of riding for the very best teams around - are Team Sky doing everything right to try and put the foundations in place to make a real mark at that level?

MB: Yes, I am impressed with the commitment of every individual, whether it is a rider or mechanic, to the goals of the team and the openness there is to innovation and change - whether it is technical, mental or physical. Many people outside of the team have said the team is clinical and cold - ironically, it is the exact opposite. The environment is nurturing and every member exudes a passion for the sport which will surely lift the performance. The theory is, if everybody is enjoying the journey and having fun, we will achieve the results. That said, everything is well organized, the logistics are well thought out and any issues that have arisen have been dealt with quickly and professionally. We are on track.

TS: Does this camp represent a starting point for the season in so much as it will be a while before so many of you are gathered together in the one place?

MB: Yes, amazingly, from Thursday onward we will be scattered across Europe racing and we may not have another chance to get together like this until the off season.

TS: How do you feel you are doing personally in terms of race-sharpness? How many races does it take for you to reach 100% and which events this year have you pencilled in as real targets when you want to be at your absolute peak?

MB: I feel good. I feel healthy. I have done the right training and will continue to progress with each race. The races become increasingly harder in the coming weeks so with that workload I should hit be in good shape during the early part of March. My main goals of the spring are the cobbled classics - Flanders and Roubaix - and the Tour of Italy.

TS: Finally, it must be good for everyone to see what happened at the Tour of Oman on Tuesday, it really bodes well for the months ahead.

MB: It is great news. Edvald is continuing where he left off last year and has even risen to another level. Not bad at all for a kid who was training in the snow a few weeks ago. He will surely get a lot better in the next month as well. The whole team was really happy to see the results today [the win on stage three]. Winning early and often is important as it sets a tone for the season.