The contest usually sees sprinters thrive but the 183.9 kilometres route with 2,600 metres of climbing could make for an open race.

The opening 30km are flat before leading into an 11km climb at a 4.8 per cent ascent on the Feldburg, which represents the biggest climb of the route.

Riders will then tackle the 1.3km Ruppertshainer, 2.6km Billtalhöhe, and four attempts of the 2.6km Mammolshain at 8.6 per cent, 6.2 per cent, and 8.3 per cent, respectively.

The entire podium of last year's 60^th edition of the race is due to meet again.

Alpecin-Fenix's Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen is one of the favourites after winning in 2021 as he has already taken three victories this season.

German John Degenkolb and Alexander Kristoff of Norway will also look to regain the title.

Kristoff is in good form so far this season and has won in the Scheldeprijs event which is also a one-day race suited to the sprinters.

John Degenkolb will be joined by several German team-mates with his new side, Team DSM.

With Nico Denz, he can rely on experienced classic quality while Niklas Märkl will support the local star as a young, fast rider.

The only German team on the Tour, Bora-Hansgrohe, is counting on its sprint squad around Danny van Poppel of The Netherlands and Irishman Sam Bennett, while Germany's Nils Politt is expected to produce a strong display.

Tour de France stage winner Politt will be the team's strongest option if it turns into an aggressive race.