Lotto Soudal have announced their line-up for Sunday's Paris-Tours.

The teamhas a former winner of Paris-Tours in its line-up. In 2014 Jelle Wallays beat Thomas Voeckler in a two-man sprint. Both had escaped the bunch after only five kilometres and were joined by five other riders. Last year an early break was successful again. Tosh Van der Sande finished second, behind Matteo Trentin. This year van der Sandewill stand at the start again. For many riders Paris-Tours is the last stop before the World Championships in Qatar next week. That’s also the case for Belgians Jens Debusschere and Jürgen Roelandts.

In this way Lotto Soudal has different cards to play on Sunday. It’s Jelle Wallays who previews the race. The 27-year-old Belgian completed the Vuelta in September, it was his first Grand Tour ever. This month he rode the Tour de l’Eurométropole and Binche-Chimay-Binche.

“I’m feeling fine at the moment. Both in the Eurométropole Tour and Binche I could play a role in the finale," he said. "I did have some energy left after the Vuelta and that’s positive, because at this time of the year I’m usually still able to perform well. Paris-Tours is a beautiful race and perfect for riders who are still keen at the end of the season. I know I am a consistent rider and that’s also why I won the race two years ago.

“In the finale two hills are skipped this year and I find that a pity. It will change the race. It’s less likely that an early break will survive. In the hill section in the last 25 kilometres there were a lot of corners and that was an advantage for the escapees. If the peloton is still compact, it will be difficult for the breakaway riders to remain ahead now. Also the fact that this is the last test for the World Championships will be a factor. The sprinters will want to win.

“I want to show something on Sunday. With this team we can definitely aim for the win. Jürgen Roelandts and Jens Debusschere are in an excellent shape as well. I hope there will be a lot of wind. There are many parts along the course where the wind could cause splits in the peloton. If it’s up to me it will be a hard race.”

Line-up Lotto Soudal: 

Lars Bak, Kris Boeckmans, Jasper De Buyst, Jens Debusschere, Frederik Frison, Jürgen Roelandts, Tosh Van der Sande and Jelle Wallays.