With just one man representing Britain at elite men’s level – Ian Field – hopes of British success instead are more likely to rest with the women.

And with national champion Nikki Harris and her predecessor in the blue and red striped jersey Helen Wyman – the former seven-time national champion and last year’s world number two – competing there is certainly a chance of success.

Wyman has run through the British duo’s main competition at women’s level for RCUK and the KONA rider admits there is one woman who stands head and shoulders above the rest.

She told RCUK: “I’m expecting Marianne Vos to be as close to unbeatable as ever. Last year’s World Cup winner Katie Compton has had a slower start to the season but she’s already winning so that’s nothing new either! Sabrina Stultiens is another who will compete. She has stepped it up this year and with the opening race being in Valkenburg too that will have an impact. Racing in her own country, she’ll be really going for it.

“Nikki Harris meanwhile rode really strong last week. She’s come off the road season so she’ll have speed in her legs as well and she steps it up every year. It’s going to be tough. I also think I’m riding well and I think the course on Sunday is one that should suit me. All the World Cup races this year are pretty tough though. But training has been really good. We spent time in America for six weeks, as we always do and it went well. All the races out there were crazy hot and crazy fast though – it was 29 degrees during one and then we get back and it’s just six degrees! But it’s good for your speed in those conditions and good to work tactically. It’s a shame Katerina Nash hasn’t come over. She was in stunning form over in America.

“In all though, I just think Vos is untouchable even though we’ve got some tough courses ahead.”