The five-day race includes an eight-kilometer prologue and a "mountain" stage Friday in the classic hills of Limburg. It will be Alessandro Ballan's first stage race since making his return from injury last Thursday at GP Kanton Aargau-Gippingen.

There, the former world road champion rode in the peloton for the first 150km of the 181.5km race before withdrawing.

"I had a good re-entry into racing at Gippingen," Ballan said. "I had good sensations and I am hopeful that I can improve each day in the race this week. My training has been going well and my weight is also down several kilos."

BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Max Sciandri said starting two riders short of the eight-rider allowance means the team will take a different approach. "We will mostly have our eye on stages, though it's possible we could have someone contend for the overall," he said. "There are some tricky stages where the wind could be a factor. Targeting a stage is a good goal for us with the roster we have."

BMC Racing Team Ster ZLM Toer Roster (June 12-16):
Alessandro Ballan (ITA), Adam Blythe (GBR), Yannick Eijssen (BEL), Sebastian Lander (DEN), Klaas Lodewyck (BEL), Danilo Wyss (SUI).