The pre-season can be a busy time for riders and teams, as they meet-up to discuss plans for the coming year and meet new team-mates for the first time.
For those changing teams, the first training camp - if it falls before January - is the time when they have to ride in this year's kit on next year's bike.
Here we've found some of the best social media posts from teams and riders as they embark on the unofficial starts to their 2017 seasons.
Off-bike team building
Trek-Segafredo started their training camp with some rider and staff bonding.
A three-legged relay race involving blindfolds.
Long winter miles for the gorilla
https://www.facebook.com/AndreGreipel/videos/1781875635419888/
André Greipel went for a pedal along the banks of the Rhine in anticipation of the Tour de France's visit to Germany for the 2017 Grand Départ.
Three-time German national champion and 11-time Tour stage winner, what better ambassador for the Grande Boucle's first visit to Germany since 1987, and the very first since reunification.
Cycling getting in the way of real life
Struggling to keep on top of his Christmas shopping, Geraint Thomas is passing the time between hours in the saddle and eating tiny portions to find presents for loved ones online.
He could always give them a copy of his book...
Sagan speed: faster than everyone else most of the time
Peter Sagan showed off his trendy ripped jumper during some downtime, displaying the kind of speeds he hits (and often surpasses) as he floats down descents.
Dani King getting the miles in
Switching from Wiggle-High5 to Cyclance Pro Cycling for 2017, Dani King is putting in the hard yards early on Mallorca, and also using it as an opportunity to promote the coaching business she runs with Luke Rowe.
King switched to road full time from the track for 2016 but was disappointed to be left out of the Olympic squad for the Rio road race. It'll be good to see the British rider progressing with her new team.
Don't stare at that car bonnet for too long
New WorldTour team Bahrain-Merida have met for their first training camp, shunning the usual Spanish locations for Croatia.
As they are brand new on the scene, we'll have to wait until January to see their kit worn by a group of riders.
Soon to be rivals
Although they probably won't be targeting any of the same races next year, Philippe Gilbert and Tejay van Garderen will soon be rivals when the former switches to Quick-Step.
Despite the professional split, the two will stay friends 'forever' according to the Belgian. If van Garderen's plans switch from GC to stage wins in a Grand Tour, the pair could find themselves vying for honours in the same breakaway group.
Can't wear matching kit until January 1? No problem!
Astana have got round the kit rules for new recruits by decking out their riders in matching suits. Looking dapper in the team photo, the riders and staff are offering a range of expressions.
Fabio Aru definitely looks the happiest to be there.
Best of both, almost
Avoiding the rain but still training outside is a happy compromise for Katusha-Alpecin.
With Alpecin now on board as co-title-sponsor, the newly registered Swiss WorldTour team has changed its focus to a more international view.
Practising for a victory wheelie
Just in case Cannondale-Drapac get a win in 2017, Toms Skujins is practising his celebratory trick riding.
The playback loop makes it quite mesmerising.
Time for a refuelling
Lizzie Deignan's Boel-Dolmans squad are training together, and by the looks of it racing each other to the lunch table.
By far the dominant force in women's cycling in 2016, the squad has made some small personnel changes that should see it doing even better next year.
Lovely view
Roman Kreuziger has joined Orica-Scott from the now defunct Tinkoff team.
Perhaps not wanting to show his old team's kit or maybe just not seeing the appeal of a selfie, the Czech rider posted photos of stunning vistas to his social media streams as he prepared for the season ahead.
All important kit fitting
Many of the riders are the same, the supplier is the same and the kit design looks very similar, but with continuous technological advancement and changing rider preferences, it's important to fit the team out anew each year.
Movistar got measured up and kitted out by Endura ready for their assault on 2017.
There's a prankster in Team Sky's ranks
Someone on Team Sky tied everyone's shoelaces together. This was probably funny at first, and then less so the tighter the knots became.
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