Now the sports manager of the France team, Jalabert has returned from inspecting the facilities at Rudersdal as a guest of the Danish Cycling Federation.

"Basically, it is a technical circuit with a lot of curves," said Jalabert.

""Therefore it is essential for the riders to position themselves properly and economise their energy.

"It is a relatively long circuit - more than 280 km - so let us hope that the weather will be fine.

"I have faith in the nations that send their best sprinters to these championships."

Jalabert mentions Britain's Mark Cavendish and America's Tyler Farrar as potential favourites for the title, but at the same time stresses it is not that easy to predict because the finishing line is at the rather tough Geels Bakke (hill).

Lars Lundov, chief executive officer of Sport Event Denmark, said: "We are pleased to learn that both Mark Cavendish and Paolo Bettini have already visited our country to check out the circuit, and that Laurent Jalabert is here.

"We are keen on providing added value to this great event and are planning several exciting side events in order to arouse interest."

The event is due to take place between September 19 and 25.