Today the Belgian TT championships take place over two laps of a 24km circuit in Mol. Etixx-Quick Step team leader Wilfried Peeters has been involved in the project and discussed the course and the favourites with Sporza.

In recent weeks, the course for the race has been up in the air. The organizing committee had mapped out a route that would run mainly on Dutch roads.

But a shortage of authorized staff in the Netherlands forced the race to move to Mol-Postel. "There were some complaints so we had to organize the championships on Belgian territory. Postel was an alternative and we have received the approval of the Cycling Federation," Wilfried Peeters explains.

What does the circuit look like? "The pros will ride two laps of approximately 24 kilometers. The riders will have long straight pieces of about 5 to 6 kilometers. It's really something for rouleurs"

Who are the favorites according to Peeters? 

"I've heard that Stijn Devolder is on a roll. He has an advantage. However, Yves Lampaert is also doing well.

"But look at Netherlands: Tom Dumoulin was on top in Switzerland, but yesterday he was beaten in a time trial. You never know so I can not say who will win, but it's very exciting."

Tom Boonen will also appear at the start in his hometown. "He knows he's not the biggest favourite, but he has to be there for his fans and do the race."

Strikingly, the start list is impressive. Has it something to do with the new date?

"The time trial was usually held on May 1 or shortly before the Eneco Tour, but that was not an appropriate date.

"If you put it in the week before the road race championships, you get UCI points. And now everyone is ready for the championships and the Tour. That's why we have one of the best fields in recent years."