HTC-Highroad returns to defend their title at the Tour of Britain after Michal Albasini's overall victory in 2010. Sprinters will be crucial for several stages, and with an elite squad of six riders, HTC-Highroad have said they are ell prepared.
"We're expecting a lot of bunch sprint finishes in Britain," said sport director Brian Holm to the HTC Press Office, "So we've got some good sprinters here like Mark [Cavendish], Renshaw and Rasmussen."
"We've got options for the GC as well, I expect to see Lars Bak and Matt Brammeier in contention."
"With these smaller races it's not too complicated as far as strategy. If we can get a few riders away in a break on the hilly stages, then we'll do so. And the rest will try to keep control."
"We were very successful last year, and we've learned the value of fielding solid time triallists at this race. We should be pretty well equipped for each stage."
"Cavendish is particularly motivated to perform on his home soil, but all of our squad this year is eager to keep the title. We are very close to the five hundred wins mark since 2008, we hope to reach it here in Britain."
HTC-Highroad team for the Tour of Britain: Lars Bak [Den] Matt Brammeier [Ire] Mark Cavendish [GB] Bernhard Eisel [Aut] Alex Rasmussen [Den] Mark Renshaw [Aus]
Tour of Britain 2011: ITV4 TV schedule - http://tinyurl.com/3b64td9