The Renewi Tour, a five-stage race starting on Wednesday 20 August between the Netherlands and Belgium, starts in conjunction with the Vuelta a España (Saturday and Sunday).

Stages for sprinters and classics riders, with the wind factor not to be underestimated. The highlight will be the third stage, arriving in Geraardsbergen after a 181.8-kilometer ride from Aalter, featuring 15 walls (some cobbled), including the legendary Grammont Wall.

There will be no shortage of spectacle in the fourth stage, 198.5 km long, in which the riders will tackle a double circuit between Riemst and Bilzen that will see the riders overcome 15 short climbs, while the fifth will start and finish in Leuven and will include 27 short côtes.

The stages:

Stage 1 (20/08): Terneuzen – Breskens (182.6 km)

Stage 2 (21/08): Blankenberge – Ardooie (172.7 km)

Stage 3 (22/08): Aalter – Geraardsbergen (181.8 km)

Stage 4 (23/08): Riemst – Bilzen (198.5 km)

Stage 5 (24/08): Leuven – Leuven (184.7 km)

The main favourite for the overall victory, although his condition after retiring from the Tour de France due to pneumonia remains to be seen, is Mathieu Van der Poel, a previous winner of the race.

Also watch out for Tim Wellens , who has won the last two editions, then a series of riders who can do well on climbs and in sprints such as Tibor Del Grosso, Paul Magnier, Thibau Nys, Fred Wright, Maxim Van Gils, Axel Laurance, Ben Turner, Biniam Girmay, Arnaud De Lie, Davide Ballerini, Alberto Bettiol and Lukas Kubis.

Also present were Tim Merlier, Olav Kooij and Juan Sebastian Molano.

And you, have you already chosen the formation to field?

Sprint Cycling Photos