Having won four of the last five British national road races, Team Sky were the favourites heading into the 2016 edition. But Ben Swift, Ian Stannard and Luke Rowe have all pulled out of the race, meaning it is just neo-pro Alex Peters and Andy Fenn left to fly the team’s flag in Stockton-on-Tees.

Swift has been ruled out after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained at Romandie in time for the race. Stannard and Rowe, whop will do the heavy work on flat and transitional days for Chris Froome at the Tour de France, have opted not to take part to save their legs. Geraint Thomas and Froome also opted not to ride the race and the winner of the last two races, Pete Kennaugh, is still out with a broken collarbone.

With a fairly flat course looking likely to end in a bunch sprint, Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) is the hot favourite. He faces fast men like Scott Thwaites (Bora-Argon 18), Dan McLay (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) and Chris Opie (One Pro Cycling).