For Van der Sande, it all went wrong almost two months ago. The Belgian had a strong first preseason for Team Jumbo-Visma until he crashed in the E3-Prijs and broke his elbow. For Van der Sande, who was brought in to reinforce the classic core, it was anything but a dream start. “I am disappointed with my start to the season. The goal was to be top in the Spring Classics period. Everything went perfectly until the crash, which was especially tough on a mental level.”

After sitting at home for two weeks, the unfortunate rider was able to resume his training. That wasn’t easy either. “I thought the good feeling would come back soon. But you notice that a fracture and an operation with anesthesia have consequences. Since last week I have had that good feeling again and am ready to race.”

Van der Sande is pleased to return to the Tour of Norway. After all, the past has shown that he can do well on Norwegian roads. “I think the course in Norway suits me well. It's not too difficult, but certainly not easy either. There are always some 'punchy' arrivals or sprints with a smaller group. Those are things that suit me well.”

A challenging course awaits the riders in Norway. On the first day, there is a tough uphill finish. In the third stage, the classification riders have to be at their best with a finish on a first category climb. The organisation has also mapped out a challenging course for the other stages. In any case, the undulating Norwegian roads are certainly an invitation to race.

“I don't think I should go for my ambitions in Norway yet. Maybe later in the season. As a team, we can go for stage wins. The course is tough, but not overly so. We will take it stage by stage and try to get a stage win."

Van der Sande also dares to look beyond Norway. “In the Tour de Suisse, I hope to be at an excellent level again. There are several arrivals there that should suit me. The Belgian championships are also high on my list. Later in the season, I want to be good during the races in Canada and the Benelux Tour. It is still a long season with many races. The ambition is to win races, the goal I had set in advance”, says Van der Sande.