Canyon-SRAM have announced their line-up ahead of the five-day Ovo Energy Women’s Tour. Taking place this week, from 13th to 17th June, the race will see riders competing over stages across the England and Wales, from Framlingham, Suffolk to Colwyn Bay, North Wales.
Despite having worn the leader’s jersey from the first stage to the finish of last year’s event, Kasia Niewiadoma will likely find herself playing a supporting role for the team this time.
'I saw the stage profiles and I can say that they are going to hurt,' she said. 'It’s a demanding and unpredictable race and I love this. I have decided to race again because of these hard stages which I believe will help me to get into better shape before the Giro Rosa.
'I’m coming into this race with no pressure and no expectations on myself. It will be pure racing for the team. At the moment, I feel happy and complete on my bike and that’s all that matters.'
With Lisa Klein making the race her first back since breaking her collarbone four weeks ago, leadership of the team may yet fall to the on-form Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
However, she appeared cagey about her chances of taking the overall win after spending the last few months concentrating on off-road events.
'It’s the first time for me at this tour,' Ferrand-Prevot said. 'I haven’t raced on the road since the Ardennes Classics so I’m looking forward to being on the road again.
'My goal for this tour is to try to win a stage and for sure help my teammates for the GC or stage wins.'
Having placed third on the General Classification last year Hannah Barnes will also be looking to stay towards the front over the duration.
The squad is rounded out by her sister Alice, and Alena Amialiusik.
With multiple World, European, and Commonwealth Road Race champions all competing, they’ll have competition from an extremely strong field.
With Marianne Vos (WaowDeals), Chantal Blaak (Boels Dolmans), Amalie Dideriksen (Boels Dolmans), and Jolien D’Hoore (Mitchelton-Scott) all expected to attend, the Women's Tour promises arguably the strongest line-up of any race in the UK this year.