Riding high

Five to watch

Caleb Ewan, Orica-scott

If Mark Cavendish is not at his best, the young Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan, who won stage eight last year, might well fancy his chances.

Michal Kwiatkowski, Team Sky

Kwiatkowski, a versatile rider who does pretty much everything well, finished second in 2014 before winning the Worlds. The Pole has been flying all year and will be one to watch for

Team Sky.

Geraint Thomas, Team Sky

If a sprinter does not dominate, the overall winner may be a time triallist like Stefan Kung, Tony Martin or Thomas. The Welshman claimed the maillot jaune with a brilliant opening-day time trial at the Tour.

Mark Cavendish, Dimension Data

When the route came out it was felt Cavendish might target the general classification. But his injury at the Tour de France looks likely to scupper his hopes of dominating the race.

Alexander Kristoff, Katusha-alpecin

Another who will want to get in top shape for the Worlds. The Bergen course has effectively been built for the Norwegian

sprinter and he really should be close to his top form by this stage.