Coming out of a mixed Vuelta, where he won a stage but failed to win more, but helping Tom Dumoulin to sixth on GC, John Degenkolb has sat down with Cyclingnews to speak about his goals for the Worlds.

“I think I'm really relaxed about the Worlds this year, my shape is good and I have big ambitions but I'm not the top favourite for the race. There are many other guys who are big contenders, but I'll do my best. I'll see what I can do,” he told Cyclingnews.

As for his form, he says the Vuelta has once more given him some good shape, which he showcased on stage 18, where he made it over a first category climb.

“I'm in good shape, it helps to have been racing as a team worker. I went well on the big [first category] climb on stage 18 to Riaza, for example, and that gives me a lot of confidence.”

As for the Richmond course, he says it does favour a big group sprint, but not quite the full bunch gallop that was last seen in 2011 when Mark Cavendish won.

“It's always hectic and selective. I've seen the profile and map, not a video, but I don't expect a big bunch sprint in the World's. To be honest I don't think it will be like the big bunch that we had in Copenhagen [2011] or Zolder [2002]. That would suit me, but I'm not saying I'm the top favourite.”