EF Pro Cycling's Sepp Vanmarcke will compete in the Wortegem-Petegem (Dutch for oefenkoers), a "practice race" in East Flanders, Belgium, on Saturday.

Normally, professional riders are not allowed to compete at the national level, but an exception was made prior to the resumption of professional racing following the suspension of competition due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Asked by "Sporza.be" on Wednesday why he wanted to participate in such a low-level race, the 31-year-old Belgian replied: "Because the riders still want to race and it is a very nice setup and action-packed.

Like many of his colleagues, Vanmarcke's 2020 season will begin on August 1 at Strade Bianche.

"I'm hoping to get back into a racing rhythm with four practice races and then back into professional racing next month," he said.

Vanmarcke added that he is not afraid to crash and that competing is part of the process of reaching full fitness again.

"It doesn't bother me that there are people who want to compete with me," he said. That's why they call it a race."

"It's open to everyone anyway," Vanmarcke added, "and we expect 175 riders to be on the starting line over the weekend." I don't think there will be any cowboys, and good riders will come to the front after a while anyway.

Belgian road race champion Tim Merlier (Alpecin Phoenix) is also expected to race on Saturday.

Meanwhile, riders from WorldTour teams Deceuninck-QuickStep and Lotto Soudal are also expected to compete in the Grote Prijs Vermarc Sport kermesse in Rotzeler, Belgium, on Sunday.

According to Sporza, there were 400 applicants for the race, and only 175 will make the starting line.