Dutch rider Marianne Vos is the favourite to come away with a third Tour of Norway title in a row at the end of the four-day event in Scandinavia.

The serial road race world champion won all three stages last year in a dominant display of powerful riding.

And with the race being extended by an extra day for the 2019 edition, it could suit Vos' supreme engine even more.

The riders will cover a total of 538 kilometres from Thursday to Sunday, with stages two and three containing climbs which could sort out the general classification.

Vos has had a stellar year in Team CCC with victories at La Course, the Giro Rosa, and the Tour de Yorkshire.

One of the strongest challengers to Vos comes in the form of Italian national champion Marta Bastianelli who has won the Tour of Flanders and Omloop van het Hageland this year.

Prudential RideLondon winner Lorena Wiebes could also challenge for the GC victory - she recently beat Vos at the European Games in June.

The first stage kicks off in Asgardstrand and concludes in Horten, with a sprint finish likely to decide the win.