Remco Evenepoel is set to make his competitive return at next week’s Tour of Britain , after withdrawing from the Tour de France.

The six-day stage race, which will take place from September 2 to 7 from Woodbridge to Cardiff , will be one of the Belgian champion's last races in the Soudal-QuickStep jersey before his long-awaited switch to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe next season.

Alongside him on the Belgian team will be Ilan Van Wilder, Ethan Hayter, Luke Lamperti, Casper Pedersen, and Martin Svrček . This event will serve as preparation for Evenepoel's end-of-season goals, particularly the World Championships in Rwanda (September 21-28), where he will participate in both the time trial and the road race.

The rider hasn't raced in over a month, specifically since his withdrawal during the 14th stage of the Tour de France to Superbagnères. It later emerged that he had raced the Tour with a fractured rib, demonstrating great determination despite the injury.

Sports director Klaas Lodewyck, who will also be following Evenepoel in his new adventure with Bora, commented: " We'll see what condition Remco is in when he returns to racing. For the general classification, we also have Ilan, who could do something important. Our main goal for the week is to score a stage win, then we'll evaluate whether we can also fight for the general classification."

After the Tour of Britain, Evenepoel will compete in the European Championships in France (1-5 October), concluding his experience with Soudal-QuickStep at the Giro di Lombardia (11 October).

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency