Winter can be a bleak time of year for cyclists.

Short days and cold weather mean it can take real will power to drag yourself out of the house for a ride.

Cold fingers and toes can put you off those long rides you’d planned and make that short-cut home look particularly tempting. Though there are many of us who make it a point of pride to ride all year, in all weathers, there are many who spend the winter off the bike completely or slogging away on a turbo trainer to keep in shape.

And since winter’s also the off-season for the pro riders, it can be difficult to indulge in any vicarious cycling too.

But as the New Year comes round it offers a glimmer of hope for cycling addicts. Here are a few things to look forward to in 2013:

Lance talks to Oprah: Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is to give his first interview since being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. He’ll give a ‘no holds barred’ interview to Oprah Winfrey on January 17 where he’s likely to be grilled on allegations that he cheated his way to victory. Will he confess all, or continue to protest his innocence?

The start of the pro season: The Tour Down Under starts in Adelaide on January 20, heralding the start of the 2013 pro season. Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck returns to the peloton after an injury that ruled him out of much of the 2012 racing programme, including the Tour de France. It will interesting to see what sort of shape he’s in if he’s to be a serious contender in this year’s TdF.

Warm weather and long days: As spring approaches, cyclists will be able to get their fitness bike with a few longer rides. Those of us who live in Lancashire are especially lucky, as we live in one of the best parts of the country for cycling. Time to climb some hills!

Cav rides for a new team: After an unfulfilling year with Team Sky, Mark Cavendish has signed for Belgian team Omega Pharma – Quick-Step for 2013. Unlike Sky, the team will be totally focused on delivering him to the finish line for one of his trademark sprints. Will he still be number one in 2013, or will Andre Greipel (or someone else) have the edge this year?

The spring classics: Before the start of the major tours on the raxing calendar we’ve got chance to enjoy a series of demanding one-day races, including the iconic Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo events. Belgian Tom Boonen dominated in 2012, with wins in Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders - but a number of other top contenders, including fellow Belgian Philippe Gilbert, will be looking to beat him this year. Mark Cavendish is also likely to be looking for another win in Milan-Sam Remo, after last year’s disappointment.

Giro d’Italia: Lancashire Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins has stated his aim to win the iconic Italian grand tour this year. Watch out for dozens of pink jerseys on the roads of Britain if he’s successful.

Tour de France: Can Wiggo do the Giro-Tour double? Will Chris Froome take over the lead at Team Sky? Or will the 2013 Tour turn into another battle between Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck? Expect loads of excitement in this year’s Tour, with several top riders in the running to take the yellow jersey to Paris. This year’s race will be the 100th edition of the Tour, and the milestone will be marked with a mountainous course that includes two ascents of the savage Alpe d’Huez in a single day.

Ride with Brad: Last year Barnoldswick hosted Ride with Brad, a charity ride organised by Bradley Wiggins’ charity foundation. More than 1,500 riders took part in the inaugural event, and it’s back in August this year.