The world championships kick off with one of the most spectacular disciplines when the trade teams battle it out for the honour of being the world's best team time trial squad. A flat, fast course for the most powerful riders and several specialist teams with their strongest line-ups promise a true spectacle and a great battle for the honour of succeeding Omega Pharma-Quick Step on the winner's list. Starting at 14.00 CEST you can follow the race on CyclingQuotes.com/live.

While the road race is held on an very hilly course, things are completely different when it comes to the time trials. The second-ever world champion team time trial trade team will be found on an almost completely flat route that suits the real specialists like Tony Martin, Fabian Cancellara and Taylor Phinney. Martin spearheads a very strong Omega Pharma-Quick Step team that will go all out in their quest to defend their 2012 title but several teams plan to make an assault on the Belgian team. Cancellara and Phinney are at the helm of strong Radioshack and BMC teams while Garmin, Sky and Orica-GreenEDGE will also have their say in what shapes up to be an exciting battle.

Prepare yourself by reading our preview here, and follow our live coverage here at 14.00 CEST.