BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Fabio Baldato said the Norwegian road champion has six strong riders to support him in the 246-kilometer WorldTour race.

"Thor is really motivated and in great shape," Baldato said. "We also have two others, Manuel Quinziato and Daniel Oss, who were very strong in the final stage of the Eneco Tour last weekend. So I am hoping we can do something great with Thor." Hushovd has won eight races this season, including two stages each at the Arctic Race of Norway and the Tour de Pologne.

Marcus Burghardt, who is racing in his home country, has recovered from the sickness that forced him to withdraw from the Eneco Tour. "It's important that he can do the first 150 to 200 kilometers just to help us control things." The race is one of three the BMC Racing Team will be competing in Sunday, along with the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge and Stage 2 of the Vuelta a España.

BMC Racing Team Vattenfall Cyclassics Roster (Aug. 25):
Adam Blythe (GBR), Marcus Burghardt (GER), Thor Hushovd (NOR), Amaël Moinard (FRA), Steve Morabito (SUI), Daniel Oss (ITA), Manuel Quinziato (ITA).