After a packed July campaign in Italy and France, Team BikeExchange-Jayco turn their attention to Scandinavia for a busy August schedule. They begin with the long-standing WorldTour one-day race Vårgårda WestSweden on Sunday before tackling the first-ever edition of the Tour of Scandinavia.
Two separate rosters will take on the different events, reflecting the distinct race profiles. Vårgårda WestSweden will see Nina Kessler and Arianna Fidanza lead the sprint ambitions, supported by Jessica Allen, Chelsie Tan and Urška Žigart. For the six-day Tour of Scandinavia, starting on Tuesday, the squad shifts towards all-round capability with Ruby Roseman-Gannon, Alex Manly and Georgia Williams joining Fidanza, Allen and Kessler.
The Vårgårda route totals 125.7km, beginning with a 37.7km loop featuring three gravel sections before eight laps of a technical 11km circuit that includes a short, sharp climb. It’s often a sprinters’ race, though reduced bunch finishes have also been common.
The Tour of Scandinavia spans Denmark, Sweden and Norway, concluding in Halden. The penultimate stage’s 10km climb to Norefjell is expected to be decisive for the general classification.
Jess Allen is enthusiastic about the Scandinavian block, saying Sweden’s gravel and technical elements suit her well, while the varied stage race terrain offers plenty of opportunities. Georgia Williams will target the GC, fresh from Commonwealth Games preparation, and is eyeing Stage 5 as a key day.
Sport director Martin Vestby anticipates a more unpredictable Vårgårda due to altered post-Tour and Commonwealth Games rosters, with Kessler positioned for a sprint but the team ready to animate the race. For the Tour of Scandinavia, he expects sprints but will encourage aggressive racing, with Williams leading the GC charge and Manly as the designated sprinter.
