The Dutch event will be Marcel Kittel's final stage race before next month's Tour de France.
One of the world's top sprinters, Marcel Kittel has enjoyed another fine first part of the season in the Quick-Step Floors jersey, roaring to victory on three continents: Asia (Dubai Tour, Abu Dhabi Tour), Europe (De Panne, Scheldeprijs) and North America (Tour of California). Back to Europe after an altitude camp in Colorado, the German is set to lead the team at the 31st edition of the Ster ZLM Toer GP Jan van Heeswijk, a race in which he has notched four stage victories since turning pro.
A technical 7.5km individual time trial scheduled in Westkapelle, on the opening day, will give Rémi Cavagna and Maximilian Schachmann, already two of the most impressive neo-pros of the season, a chance to show again their skills against the clock and fight for another good result, before the sprinters and the attackers, who'll have two opportunities apiece, will move into the spotlight.
Besides the three riders mentioned above, also making the Quick-Step Floors selection are Laurens De Plus – who's coming off the back of a solid Giro d'Italia – Iljo Keisse, Fabio Sabatini and Niki Terpstra, who is returning to action after an injury forced him to abandon the Belgium Tour, last month.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
