Peter Sagan and Elia Viviani lead the field for the one-day Cyclassics road race today

The race over 216.4 kilometres will see top sprinters do battle in a warm-up for the Vuelta a Espana, which starts next Saturday

Germans Andre Greipel and John Degenkolb will be battling to ensure Sagan and Viviani do not steal the limelight.

Like Viviani, Sagan will be hoping to rediscover his form ahead of the Vuelta. Sagan was a non-finisher at the European Championships road race, feeling the effects of a crash on the Tour de France, and the predominantly flat course in Hamburg boosts his chances.

“I’m looking forward to the Cyclassics and it’s profile — the Hamburg course should suit me,” said Sagan.

Arnaud Demare, who took the title in 2012, finished second to Viviani in Hamburg last year and is among the favourites.

A rising star to watch is Pascal Ackermann, 24, who will wear the national jersey after his victory in the German championships in early July.

Sunday’s race in Hamburg starts a big week for German cycling. Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has star billing for the Tour of Germany, which starts in Koblenz on Thursday for the first time after a ten-year hiatus.

Watch the Euroeyes Cyclassics Live Here

** STARTS: 06:30 USA Pacific, 09:30 USA East Coast, 14:30 UK, 15:30 Europe **

The EuroEyes Cyclassics Hamburg is 216.4 kilometres long and mostly flat but with a triple ascent of the Waseberg (700 metres at 10%), last time at 15 kilometres from the finish, things could get complicated for the sprint teams!