Yesterday many of the favourites had their first chance to look at the Worlds circuit. "The course will be very difficult at the end of the race," Zdenek Stybar told Sporza.

"The course looks easy," was the reaction in the Belgian camp. Zdenek Stybar disagrees.

"I find this course quite difficult," he said. "It is a tough Worlds. And if it rains, then it will certainly not be easier. At the end of the race, the course is really very difficult."

What kind of race does he expect. "It is difficult to predict," he said. "On this course, you have many scenarios.

"Belgium has a very strong team. And riders like Matthews, Degenkolb, Sagan and Van Avermaet are the top favorites. Has someone flown under the radar? Boasson Hagen. He was very strong in the Tour of Britain and can definitely surprise."

In the British stage race, Stybar also impressed. "I have a good period behind me, with good training, altitude training and the Tour of Britain. That was a very good preparation for the Worlds. I've prepared myself pretty well for this race and feel good."