Christian Knees cannot wait for the Tour de France to start in his homeland of Germany in 2017 after sampling the parcours for the first time in Dusseldorf.

The city becomes the fourth in Germany to hold the prestigious Grand Depart, kicking off with an opening prologue before hosting the roll-out of stage two and an opening loop on the banks of the Rhine.

Knees was on hand with a number of other German pros who took to the streets on Sunday to get a first look at the parcours as part of the Alltours Race am Rhein event.

"It was a fun event," the 35 year old told TeamSky.com. "It was held by the people who are organising the Tour de France start here in 2017 and it was the first test for the parcours.

"I took part in the tourist event and we rode out to try the first loop that we'll do next year in the race itself. It will form part of the second stage so I had a good look. It's shaping up well I think. We go out of Dusseldorf and do a 46km loop before passing Dusseldorf again. Then we'll head off in a direction we're not yet sure about, as they are yet to announce where we will finish that day. But in the opening loop there are some technical sections, and certainly it's going to be stressful with some road furniture like you have everywhere. It's a good mix of smaller and wider roads and I'm really looking forward to it."

To see the Tour start return to Germany after 30 years is doubly special for Knees, who is hoping to be on the start line next July in a place that holds special memories.

"Hopefully I will be there, lining up at the start of the race. Obviously that's not easy with Team Sky but it is my big goal for next season. It's quite close to my home, and Dusseldorf is the city that my wife is from so I've spent a lot of time here. That's why I really wanted to get behind the event over the weekend.

"It was nice to do some signings with the fans and to speak about the Tour, and how important it is for Germany and German cycling. It goes without saying  I'm really looking forward to it."

The Grand Depart comes at a time where cycling is most definitely in its ascendancy in Germany, with participation, TV coverage and a powerful group of riders all on the up.

"In the sportive they had two different lengths and there were thousands of people getting involved. That was really good to see, plus there was an amateur race being held nearby too. So it was a big cycling day in Dusseldorf. You can see people are really into it and I'm sure when the Tour comes next year it's going to be massive. I hope it will be similar to when the Tour started in the UK a couple of years ago."

Knees was last seen in action as he finished off the three weeks of the Vuelta a Espana, helping Chris Froome to second place in Spain.

"I had a good week at home after the Vuelta," he explained. "I finished the race in good condition I would say. It was a nice ride with Froomey and the guys there and it was a great three weeks. I'm still training as, while it was set to be my last race of the year, there is always the chance you can be called up before the end of the season. I've done 90 race days in 2016 and I'm pretty happy with what I delivered this year. I've been strong in the domestique role all year, from the Classics through the Giro and also in the Vuelta. Of course I'm a racer and I would like to win on my own. That hasn't happened this year but I still have the dream to win in the Sky jersey.

"I hope that can happen next year, and combined with my ambition to ride the Tour de France I will train hard and try to come back for next year even better."