Tim Merlier leads Alpecin-Deceuninck's stage-hunting amibitions at Vuelta a Espana

Alpecin-Deceuninck will be doing what they do best at the Vuelta a Espana which is to chase stage wins, with a lineup that includes strong riders for most terrains, and Tim Merlier in the lead of it's sprint ambitions.

The Belgian just came off a third place at the European championships and will be the team's best option for a win, aswell as one of the big contenders for the bunch sprints. He will have a designated support crew, with Lionel Taminiaux and Oscar Riesebeek as his leadout men, and Jimmy Janssens likely as the rider who will be helping to control breakaways.

The team however has riders for other terrains. Jay Vine has showed his climbing quality on multiple occasions and will be a strong option for the breakaways in the mountains. Whilst in the hilly stages the team will have a very strong duo in Tour de Wallonie winner Robert Stannard and classics specialist Gianni Vermeersch, who will have a wide array of stages to perform. Xandro Meurisse completes the squad, with ambitions for similar days,

Alpecin - Deceuninck for Vuelta a Espana: Tim Merlier, Jay Vine, Gianni Vermeersch, Lionel Taminiaux, Robert Stannard, Oscar Riesebeek, Xando Meurisse and Jimmy Janssens.