" I am now on 10 victories, Tadej Pogacar on 16." - Jasper Philipsen's secret wish for the rest of the season

For the first time since the World Championships, Jasper Philipsen will return to World Tour racing at the Renewi Tour, leading Alpecin-Deceuninck's charge for stage wins.

“I really enjoyed the period after the Tour, but I can't speak of too crazy festivities. We are professional cyclists and we should be ready for the rest of the season," the Belgian ace, who won the Green Jersey at the Tour de France told Het Nieuwsblad. “Now, I also realize that I will not reach my best level in the remaining months. That phase is, I'm afraid, passed. That does not alter the fact that I want to be competitive against all those fast men who will be racing through Belgium in the coming days”

Although he doesn't feel he is in at the top level anymore, Philipsen will need to be fit and firing if he is to taste victory at the Renewi Tour given the tough level of competition at the race from the likes of Dylan Groenewegen, Tim Merlier, Olav Kooij, Jordi Meeus, Jonathan Milan and Arnaud De Lie.

“I no longer have special goals this season, when we talk about specific competitions,” Philipsen concludes. “I just want to win as much as possible. I have sometimes looked up whether I still have a chance to become the winner of the season. It's going to be hard if I'm being honest. I am now on ten victories, Tadej Pogacar on sixteen. Then I will still have to unpack firmly in the coming month.”