The 2021 edition will start with a flat stage between the Frisian towns of Surhuisterveen and Dokkum. Stage two is an eleven-kilometre time trial around Lelystad, after which there are two flat stages. The three remaining days are hilly, with many short, steep hills in Belgium. The classic riders will be able to put their mark on the general classification.

Sports director Arthur van Dongen is looking forward to the race. “We have an international programme all year and there are a few races in the Netherlands for our riders. We have quite a few Dutch riders in our team, so it gives a special feeling to show ourselves in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a special race, it demands a lot from the winner. You have to be an all-rounder. The intention is to compete for the day’s success, but also for the final classification. You have to be able to ride a good time trial and stand your ground on the hills if you want to go for a good position in the classification. In addition, we will try to ride for Dylan in the bunch sprints. There is no margin for errors. These kinds of races are often a game of seconds. The time trial will establish differences, but they will be small because of the short distance. We have an excellent team, so we are looking forward to the coming week with confidence.”

Tom Dumoulin: “I feel fit. The trainings went well, so I’m happy about that. My level is okay, so I will not finish in the last group. But I can’t say yet if it’s good enough to compete for the podium.” A time trial is scheduled for Tuesday. “That makes me happy, although the distance is actually too short for me. I think I’m one of the better time trialists of the GC riders. There are also some specialists who are normally better at this distance, but never say never. I’m going to give everything.”

The first stage will probably end in a sprint. Dylan Groenewegen: “A lot will depend on the wind. We have a super strong squad, so it’s up to the GC riders and me to be at the front. I’m feeling good. The confidence is back.”

The Bretagne Classic will take place on Sunday 29 August. The course consists of 251 hilly kilometres around Plouay. The main difficulty is in the last 35 kilometres, with five tough hills. Team Jumbo-Visma will be built around Jonas Vingegaard and Tobias Foss in Bretagne. Pascal Eenkhoorn, who is in good shape, should also be capable of riding a good classification.