Having done a good block of training, Mark Cavendish had made a late change to his schedule and will line up as Omega Pharma-Quick Step leader in the Vattenfall Cyclassics. The Brit will be supported by a formidable lead-out train that is made up of riders like Gianni Meersman, Matteo Trentin, Mark Renshaw and Gert Steegmans.

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team has announced the selection that will participate in Vattenfall Cyclassics, a 252.8km one-day race on August 24th. It's the only race in Germany designated on the UCI WorldTour calendar.

Among a strong list of riders, Mark Cavendish will participate for the first time in his career.

“Mark is keen to ride his bike," Sport Director Brian Holm said. "After Tour de l’Ain he had a good block of training. That’s why we decided at the last moment to add this race to his calendar.

"The presence of Mark will be important also for the team strategy during the race. But on this team we have weapons for any kind of solution, including those who can be present in the attacks in final kilometers if the race fires up on the climbs.

"We will do our best to continue the winning mood that was present last week with several wins of the team, going for good results regardless of the scenarios of the race."

Omega Pharma-Quick Step for the Vattenfall Cyclassics

Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Mark Cavendish (GBR)
Thomas De Gendt (BEL)
Gianni Meersman (BEL)
Mark Renshaw (AUS)
Gert Steegmans (BEL)
Matteo Trentin (ITA)
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL)