On Saturday, there will be a new winner of the Brussels Cycling Classic, after two victories for André Greipel. The German sprinter won’t be racing in Belgium because one day later he appears at the start of the Tour of Britain.

Around noon the start will be given of the 200.8 kilometres long Europe Tour race with thirteen climbs. The last climb is still far away from the finish line, 39.4 kilometres to be precise. It won’t be easy to avoid a sprint, according to Lotto Soudal sports director Kurt Van de Wouwer.

“The course has been changed again," he said. "This year there are less hills and there aren’t any loops. The previous two editions finished with a sprint of about forty riders, each time won by André Greipel. Now there is even a bigger chance of a sprint. Although I don’t actually expect a bigger peloton at the end, because the course is also hilly apart from the official climbs.

“This year André Greipel won’t be riding the Brussels Cycling Classic, Kenny Dehaes is our sprinter. Tony Gallopin is selected for this race as well, so for us it would definitely be good with a hard race.

"Sander Armée, Stig Broeckx and Dennis Vanendert have to mingle in the battle to get in the early breakaway. Trainee Dries Van Gestel showed a good form in the Tour de l’Avenir and can join a break as well. He’ll definitely do his part of the job.

"Tony Gallopin will probably have allies who don’t want the race to end with a sprint either, but that won’t be easy. If it doesn’t work out, Tony can also help Kenny, he already did that last year for André Greipel. Boris Vallée can do the lead-out as well.”

Selection Lotto Soudal: 

Sander Armée, Stig Broeckx, Kenny Dehaes, Gert Dockx, Tony Gallopin, Boris Vallée,  Dries Van Gestel and Dennis Vanendert.