RACING AHEAD

GP de Québec (September 7)

The first of the Canadian double-header is often perfect preparation for the ensuing World Championships. With Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe), winner in the last two years, not racing, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) will be hoping to prevail.

De kustpijl (September 8)

The Belgian one-day race, won by Christopher No ppeofSp or tV la and e re nb aloi se in 2017 when he outs printed his eight breakaway companions, starts and finishes in the coastal town of Knokke-heist.

Tour du Jura (September 8)

An on-off event that is being held for only the fourth time since 2009, the one-day race represents a challenging parcours for the riders, including three big ascents. Swiss Marc Hirschi won last year, aged just 19.

GP de montréal (September 9)

Similar in profile to the race in Québec, this route features a number of attritional climbs. Last year Diego Ulissi won from a small break, and the UAE-TEAM Emirates man is riding again.

olympia’s Tour (September 11-16)

Seven stages held across six days in the Netherlands, this is a race targeted by younger riders, with SEG Racing, Lottosoudal Development and a Welsh team participating. Pascal Eenkhoorn won last year, and Dylan van Baarle has won twice.