Explosive climbers will be eagerly awaiting the first few days of racing. The first two stages include many short, vicious climbs. The third stage is an 18-kilometre team time trial. Stage four is the queen stage, with two first category mountains and two second category mountains. The second part of the week partly takes place in Scotland. The course remains hilly, but is more suitable for (strong) sprinters.

Van Aert consciously chose the Tour of Britain. “Originally, the second block consisted of the Dauphiné, the Tour and Tokyo. Those were only three races, but heavy ones. We wanted a break as long as possible between the Olympics and the World Cup. That’s why we chose the Tour of Britain, which is later than the Benelux Tour.”

The World Championships and Paris-Roubaix are then the higher goals. “With the preparation I’m doing now, it should be workable to be good in both World Championship disciplines”, Van Aert said. “I believe I have a chance at both events. I have certainly not neglected my time trial training. But the intensity with which I train now is mainly focused on the road race. Explosiveness is central. And that’s necessary if you want to score in Leuven.”

Besides Wout van Aert, Tony Martin also returns to the peloton. The German rides his first race since his forced retirement in the Tour de France. George Bennett and Pascal Eenkhoorn will support Van Aert in the difficult finals. Gijs Leemreize and Chris Harper complete the team.