After being forced to watch the first half of the season on television, John Degenkolb will return to the peloton on May 1 in Germany.
The Giant-Alpecin sprinter, who nearly lost a finger in a collision with a car at a January training camp, will line up at the Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt.
Degenkolb's injuries meant he was unable to defend his Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix titles this spring, but the 27-year-old is raring to go in his home country.
“First of all, I am really happy to pin my race number on again and to be at the starting line. It’s my home race on Sunday which makes it even more special for me. I am really thankful to all the people who have supported me and who have made it possible for me to race again.," he said.
John Degenkolb's Giant Propel Advanced
Having not raced since the World Championships in September, Degenkolb isn't expecting to be in contention in Sunday's race.
>>> John Degenkolb hopes to learn from watching Classics on TV ahead of May return
The course will see riders tackle the Mammolshainer Berg four times, which hits 26 per cent in places, before entering the finishing circuit in Frankfurt.
“I am certainly not here to aim for the win. The goal is to get back the feeling of riding in the peloton again and of course this is my first test on competition ground since January," Degenkolb added.
"Let’s not forget what I have been through the last few months and keep it all in perspective. For Sunday, I hope I can finish the race in a good way.”
