The World Championships in Qatar are being held this week, three more days to go and then it’s up to the elite men to battle for the rainbow jersey in the road race. Four Lotto Soudal riders will defend their national interests on Sunday.

Jens Debusschere and Jürgen Roelandts are part of the Belgian selection of nine riders. Lars Bak is lined-up for Denmark, while André Greipel is the leader of the German team. All four of them got the same two questions: When will you be satisfied after the race? Why are you looking forward to the Worlds?

Jens Debusschere

1.The Worlds will be successful for me if I ride a good race. That can be in support of the team or for a more personal goal if the circumstances require that. I just hope I can play a role in the finale, any role, and that I can show something. When I achieve that, I will be satisfied about my first participation in the World Championships.

2.This will be a special race anyway, because it’s the first time I go to the Worlds for Belgium. It’s a course that suits me, because of the possibility of echelons. The heat on the other hand is something I’m less looking forward to.

Jürgen Roelandts

1.I will be satisfied if I can ride the finale. Hopefully there will be enough wind in the desert. I hope several countries will want to make the race hard by creating echelons, but I expect they will look at the Belgians. That doesn’t need to be a disadvantage though. The Netherlands could maybe be an ally.

2.It’s always nice to be selected for the Worlds. This is a course on which I can use my skills, so it feels good to be part of the team. The Belgian line-up is strong and we can handle a race with echelons and that’s an extra motivation.

Lars Bak

1.I will try to join a breakaway on Sunday. When you ride in the front group in the finale a miracle can always happen. I might jump away in the last kilometres if I’m in the break. Although that will be difficult. Otherwise, when it comes down to a bunch sprint, I will do my job for Michael Mørkøv and Magnus Cort Nielsen. Then I will be happy if I am able to help them.

2.It’s always an honour to represent your country. Of course it’s strange to compete against riders who are your teammates all year long, but it’s fun to finish the season with the Worlds. When you are selected for the national team it means that you’re a valued rider. This selection makes me proud. I am looking forward to a nice race.

André Greipel

1.It’s not like any normal race, it’s always unpredictable. I did everything that was in my power to be well prepared. I travelled early to Qatar to get used to the conditions. I would really be satisfied if I could achieve a podium place, together with the German team.

2.The World Championship is the most special bike race of the year. The sprinters don’t often get the opportunity to become world champion. This year we have a chance and that’s why it is a goal for me. I really wanted to be here.