These days are busy times. Two days it was the Clásica San Sebastián, yesterday the London Classic and the first stage of the Tour de Pologne. On Tuesday, Post Danmark Rundt starts, a race that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It’s a five-day stage race from the Europe Tour which ends on Saturday 8 August.

Post Danmark Rundt consists of six stages on a flat course, where escapees definitely have a chance to survive. The stages end with local laps. On Friday there is a double programme for the riders. The day starts with a stage of 115 kilometres and in the evening there is an individual time trial of 13.6 kilometres. The final stage could still be exciting for the overall victory. The past two years Lars Bak was second on GC, can he become number one this year?

“Lars Bak is very keen to win the Post Danmark Rundt. This year he’s even stronger after the Tour than last year. The time trial suits him; flat and not too long. We definitely have a chance to win the GC with him, although it’s not that easy even though he was so close the previous years," Bart Leysen, sports director of Lotto Soudal said.

“Apart from Lars we have several other cards to play. We have other riders who can ride a good time trial and can set a good overall result. Sean De Bie was sixth overall last year. Also our trainee, Frederik Frison, is a strong time trialist. But we don’t want to put any pressure on him, we’ll see how it goes in his first race with the pros. He can also play his role in the sprint, to help Kenny Dehaes.”

“The first stage along the coast could already cause splits. This is a stage race with many opportunities for riders who dare to attack. Pim Ligthart, Tosh Van der Sande and Dennis Vanendert will definitely want to join a breakaway. For Jelle Vanendert this is part of his preparation for the Vuelta. I have high expectations for this Post Danmark Rundt, because we have such a strong team with riders who are ambitious.”

Selection Lotto Soudal: 

Lars Bak, Kenny Dehaes, Sean De Bie, Frederik Frison, Pim Ligthart, Tosh Van der Sande, Dennis Vanendert and Jelle Vanendert.