While most of the powerful squads will do their utmost to make the World Championship road race as hard as possible in order to leave fast finishers in likes of Nacer Bouhanni, Michael Matthews or Ben Swift behind, Germany will one of a very few nations entering the event with an entirely different strategy. Despite being hospitalized with an infection sustained after his Vuelta a Espana crash, John Degenkolb remains their undisputed leader and will line up on Sunday as one of the biggest favourite, surrounded by strong and totally dedicated team.

As there is a big chance that the Sunday’s road race will be decided in a bunch sprint, Degenkolb will be a certain plan “A” for the German squad. And apparently the only plan, as the rest of the team consisting of debuting Paul Voss, Andre Greipel, Tony Martin, Christian Knees, Simon Geschke, Johannes Frohlinger, Paul Martens and Dominik Nerz will be totally devoted to bringing their powerful countryman save to the finale and it’s hard to imagine than any of them would be able to replace him if something goes in an unexpected way.

Debuting in the World Championship road race. Voss revealed that Germans managed to build a tight-knitted group and that they’re completely calm about Degenkolb’s chances despite his latest health problems.

“It’s a really good vibe. We’re laughing a lot, talking a lot of bullshit, making jokes and I think everyone is enjoying it. That’s also an important part for the weekend to work as a team,” Voss told Cycling Weekly.

“The main guy is John. We will see how he feels in the final but he is Plan A and everyone is going for him,” Voss said.

“I think we have a really good team to, if we have to, control the race,” Voss said. “We really have to see how John is and then we will decide in the race if we maybe have to change the plans or not.”

When it comes to race predictions, every riders seems to have his own opinion and they vary from one extreme to another.

“At first it looks easy but I think if you have to do 14 laps it can be quite hard, especially because you have no flat parts, really,” Voss said. “You go into the finish and then through the town there’s a lot of corners and roundabouts so it’s a lot about positioning in the right moment. It’s not that hard but definitely not easy and I think it can be, especially when it’s raining, a really hard race. I don’t see 50 guys coming to the line, honestly, because right now we have a tailwind on the climb, so it will be fast.”

Assessment made by the inexperienced German sounds very reasonable, however it need pointing out that peloton’s most renowned attackers won’t enjoy a tailwind on the decisive climb tomorrow, what should only work in Degenkolb’s favour.

In a quite blunt words, Voss also admitted that he’s ready for Sunday’s challenge.

“I’ve felt quite strong in the last races and all my data is showing I’m in good form. I feel healthy and fresh but one day races are always difficult. You can feel shit in the start of a race and then your legs can be better after 200km so it can change a lot. I’m ready.

“I don’t think [rivals] want to come to the line with John because then it’s hard to beat him, so they have to try and make the race hard,” Voss concluded.