Two challenging stages in the Dolomite mountains in Italy and rosters of only six riders – rather than eight – will provide a unique challenge to this year's Tour de Pologne, said BMC Racing Team's Marco Pinotti.

Pinotti, who along with teammate Taylor Phinney, is a favourite for the final-day, 37-kilometer individual time trial, said those factors change the complexion of the seven-day race that begins Saturday.

"The stages are generally long and surely the last time trial is the key stage for me," the reigning Italian time trial champion said. "I can see how well I recovered from the early stages and compare myself to other competitors. The race seems open to breaks as with six riders per team it will be difficult to control."

BMC Racing Team Performance Manager Allan Peiper, who will be directing the team along with Assistant Director Fabio Baldato, said the team's hopes for the general classification lie with Mathias Frank, who led the Tour de Suisse for five days, and new Italian road champion Ivan Santaromita.  "We have a few cards to play in the opening days with the two big mountain stages, plus covering breaks and looking after our leaders," Peiper said. "I think as we get into Poland there will be some stages where Thor Hushovd can build on the success he had in the Tour of Austria and try for some stages."

BMC Racing Team Tour de Pologne Roster (July 27-Aug. 3):
Mathias Frank (SUI), Thor Hushovd (NOR), Dominik Nerz (GER), Taylor Phinney (USA), Marco Pinotti (ITA), Ivan Santaromita (ITA).