Team Giant-Alpecin returns to France this week to take part in the 28th edition of the Tour de l'Ain. The four road stages will provide opportunities for the sprinters, climbers and attackers to meet the challenges of this parcours.

The race begins with a flat course and will be ideal for the sprinters to seek stage success. Stage two will offer the first chance for the climbers to make their presence felt with two categorized climbs in the finale. On the penultimate day, the riders tackle five categorized climbs in the Alps, culminating with a summit finish into Lélex. The final stage is for the climbers featuring the iconic ascent of Le Grand Colombier.

Coach Arthur van Dongen said: "We have chosen an opportunistic team as the stagesoffer several chances for us to challenge for results. We will race offensively with a special focus on the last two mountain stages. Indeed, with Sam, Jochem and Martijn we have some young and talented guys who will gain experience and can perform well in the mountains.

"The Tour de l'Ain is always a tough race and presents a good test for our stagiaires. Finally, it is an important last step for the riders who are competing at the Vuelta to fine tune their form."

LINE-UP

Bert De Backer (BEL) 
Jochem Hoekstra (NED)
Koen de Kort (NED)
Sam Oomen (NED) 
Tom Stamsnijder (NED)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)