Erik Dekker looks ahead to the Sparkassen Giro Munsterland tomorrow with confidence. The Belkin Pro Cycling Team’s sports director has a team at his disposal capable of winning the German one-day race. Paul Martens and Jos van Emden already did so in the 2006 and 2007 editions.

"Hopefully they can give something extra because of that,” said Dekker.

Van Emden makes his first return to the race since winning it and said he takes confidence from the strength of the Belkin team that will be present at the race.

"I worked hard to be ready for the race," van Emden explained. "If you’ve ever won a particular race, it will always be special. I'll be back for the first time this year and of course, it’d be fantastic to win again. We have a strong team and have several options.”

With Moreno Hofland, Mark Renshaw and Robert Wagner, Dekker has three fast supporters. "If it comes down to a bunch sprint, they can rely on a strong lead-out train."

Wilco Kelderman and Paul Martens took part in the World Championship road race on Sunday. Dekker hopes that they will benefit from it for the Sparkassen Giro. "They had to put in a significant effort as it was a really hard Worlds, but they both have good legs. They’ve had some time to rest, and if they can push through tomorrow they might be able to achieve something.”  

Belkin line-up for Sparkassen Giro Munsterland:

Lars Boom, Jos van Emden, Moreno Hofland, Wilco Kelderman, Tom Leezer, Paul Martens, Mark Renshaw and Robert Wagner.