After crashing out of last year's Tour de France and suffering from a bad knee injury, Jurgen Van Den Broeck had another setback when he crashed at Tirreno-Adriatico. Having completed the Volta a Catalunya safely, the Belgian Tour contender will continue his rebuilding of form when he lines up as part of a strong Lotto Belisol roster for the Vuelta al Pais Vasco that can also count on Tim Wellens, Jelle Vanendert, Maxime Monfort, Bart De Clercq, and Sander Armee.

The Vuelta al País Vasco starts on Monday 7th of April in Ordizia and finishes on Saturday 12th of April with an individual time trial in Markina. It's the 54th edition of this WorldTour race.

In the first two stages the riders immediately have to climb. The chance for a sprint is the biggest in the third stage. The toughest part comes in stage four. The final climb to finish place Arrate is five kilometers long at an average gradient of 8%. Finally there is an individual time trial in Markina.

It promises to be a tough edition again. At the start are among other Alejandro Valverde, Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador and Carlos Betancur. Last year's winner Nairo Quintana won't participate.

With among other Jurgen Van den Broeck, Bart De Clercq and Maxime Monfort Lotto Belisol has many strong riders. Also youngsters Tosh Van der Sande and Tim Wellens can show themselves in one of the stages.

"We have quite a strong team for the Vuelta al País Vasco," sports director Mario Aerts said. "With Jurgen Van den Broeck, Maxime Monfort, Bart De Clercq, Jelle Vanendert and Tim Wellens we can definitely play along for a top ten place in GC or a stage win. In the third stage to Vitoria we count on the fast legs of Tosh Van der Sande."

"We have to wait and see how it goes for Jurgen Van den Broeck. After his crash in Tirreno he rode in Catalunya, so his condition can only improve.

"Also Tim Wellens is in good shape. He's proven that in Paris-Nice. He's excellent in nervous races. Moreover it can be bad weather in the Basque Provinces and that's also an advantage for Tim."

"With the Ardennes classics coming up our riders can prepare themselves well here. The huge amount of climbing in Spain sharpens the condition.

"The past weeks we had our share of bad luck. Let's hope that's over now and we can complete the Vuelta al País Vasco safe and sound and with a good result."

Selection Lotto Belisol:

Sander Armée, Bart De Clercq, Maxime Monfort, Jurgen Van den Broeck, Tosh Van der Sande, Dennis Vanendert, Jelle Vanendert and Tim Wellens.