Milan-San Remo winner Arnaud Démare is currently in the north of Europe to compete in the Arctic Race of Norway. The FDJ rider has started his preparation for the Doha World Championships in October. He finished in 5th place in stage two.

"I came here because there aren't many races at the moment. My second part of the season has been centered on the world championship in Doha, Qatar (October 16). Rather than the Vuelta a España, I've chosen short stage races and one-day races to prepare for it because I'll need energy and freshness," he said according to Cyclingnews. Démare will lead the French team in Vattenfall Cyclassics.