Elisa Balsamo will be one of the leading contenders in the sprint stage of the Tour de France Femme avec Zwift, but the Italian is open to other opportunities as Trek-Segafredo looks for a stage win and a top overall finish.

Balsamo's compatriot Elisa Longo Borghini will be the team leader in the overall class, and the world champion will combine her own goal with an aid.

"I think a lot of different scenarios are possible on a lot of stages," Balsamo said. So I'm ready to take on any sprint, potentially get into a breakaway, or help my teammate Elisa Longo Borghini go for the GC at 100%."

However, the team's focus on the sprinters will be on the first stage. Winning on the Champs-Elysées is a major goal for Balsamo, which could turn from rainbow to yellow.

"Of course, there are personal goals as well. It's going to be a very hard race on day one, but to be on the podium is a dream for me."

With several stages suitable for punchers and breakaways, Balsamo may have more chances to outperform the pure sprinters in the pack.

Balsamo has already had a successful July, winning two stages at the Giro d'Italia Donnay and taking the maglia rosa. As one of many riders competing in both the Giro and the Tour, and with big goals in both, Balsamo has spent the past two weeks recovering and preparing as much as possible.

"After the Giro Donne I went to high altitude training and tried to find the best balance between rest and training. I think I did a good job and I hope my body as well as my mind is ready for the Tour."

By wearing the world champion's rainbow jersey, Balsamo will be a high-profile rider at the Tour de France, which adds even more significance to the highly anticipated race.

"It will be even more special to wear the rainbow jersey in the first edition of the new Tour de France femme.

"I am very excited about the Tour de France Femme and I want to enjoy every moment of it, from the first to the last stage. Of course, it's going to be a spectacular race with a lot of people riding, so I'm proud to be part of the team and be part of the race."