The 32-year-old triumphed in last year's edition of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour event.

He will be a key contender in tomorrow's race, alongside compatriot Jans Bakelants. 

Portugal's Rui Costa, Australia's Michael Matthews and Nacer Bouhanni of France are also considered to be favourites.

Starting and finishing in the French village of Plouay, the course consists of eight laps of a demanding 27 kilometre circuit and one 14 km lap in the backdrop of Brittany. 

The total distance covered is 247.8km.

The UCI World Tour has made headlines following its resumption from a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Numerous cyclists have crashed in recent weeks, with Belgium's Remco Evenepoel suffering a pelvic fracture after falling from a bridge during the Il Lombardia.

Evenepoel's Dutch teammate Fabio Jakobsen ended up in a coma after being squeezed in a barrier in a bunch sprint at the Tour de Pologne, which saw him hurtle through the air.

Bretagne Classic Ouest-France organisers will be hoping for a less dramatic race. 

Competition is taking place in the same location as the Road European Championships in Plouay, with competition due to resume with the men's road race on Wednesday (August 25). 

A women's race - the GP Plouay – L’Orient Agglomération - is also taking place tomorrow.