Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) has his sights set on this year's Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and is looking forward to how he and his colleagues will react to the resumption of racing after a forced break this season due to a coronavirus outbreak.

"I want to be in 95% best condition by early August, and I want to keep that condition for three months. I used to do that too," de Gendt told Sporza.be on Tuesday.

"I will be very nervous on the first race day and I will need more time than most to get used to the peloton again. After that it will be the same as before. Everyone will reach their physical limits, and then everyone will find their place very quickly."

After spending the last few months at home, de Gendt and his family made the 1,800-km car trip from Belgium to Calpe, Spain, on Friday evening so that the 33-year-old could train for the rest of the racing season.

De Gendt said he is "no longer afraid of the black hole of his career" now that he has experienced and enjoyed life with his family away from the rigors of professional sports. [According to Sporza, de Gendt will start the season at the Tour de Pollogne (August 5-9), followed by the Tour de Wallonie (August 16-19), the Tour de France (August 29-September 20), and then the Vuelta a España in October.

The World Championships will be held in Switzerland from September 20-27, and de Gendt said he did not expect to be selected.

"It has been forgotten for so long, why now?

De Gendt last competed at the World Championships in 2013, representing Belgium in the individual and team time trial. He has never competed in an elite road race, but did compete in an under-23 road race in 2008.

De Gendt said he will also not race the one-day classics and will concentrate on short stage races, the Tour, and the Vuelta.

"This short series of races could work to my advantage.