Germany flagbearer Fabian Hambuechen has conceded that his "expectations are pretty low" heading into the European Games.
The 27-year-old, who skipped the recent European Championship to focus solely on Baku 2015, will take part in the men's team and men's individual all-around events.
Having been struck down by flu in January, this will be Hambuechen's first major event of the year, and he admits that he is unsure exactly what targets to set himself in the inaugural competition.
"Nobody knows what's going on here. It's the first time we have the European Games," he told Games News Service. "Epke Zonderland, the reigning Olympic and world champion, isn't here.
"But who else is? Vlasios Maras - that's it. My expectations are pretty low. I won't be lazy or silly now. I won't be like, 'OK, it's an easy thing here."
Hambuechen will carry the flag for Germany in this evening's opening ceremony.
Daniel Lewis
