For the outside world, Belgian national coach Carlo Bomans has the difficult task of making a group of individuals ride as a united Belgian team. The coach doesn't find the mission that difficult. "In the past I have always been successful," he says.

With Tom Boonen, Philippe Gilbert and Greg Van Avermaet the team has three leaders, with Vanmarcke just below. How does Bomans expect them to work togethe, knowing that there have sometimes been tensions, especially between the BMC teammates Gilbert and Van Avermaet?

"It will be fine," Bomans told Sporza. "In the past always I was always successful. Last year we had clear agreements and Gilbert did what was asked of him. He can work with Greg.

"I'm not afraid that there will be no cooperation even though it ishard for the press to believe. The atmosphere is not unlike the previous years, everyone has come here in good time to make the group cohesive.

"I'm not saying I am working on a pink cloud but there is made more fuss than necessary. The atmosphere is good, the group is happy together and the unity is there. You have to see it up close to believe it."

Bomans also respodned to the criticism that he has selected four Quick Step riders to support Boonen."That is a total misconception. The Quick-Steppers are here for the team, not for Tom.

"There was also consultation with Phil and Greg about that and we always pointed to the same riders. As a coach, you ca't look at which team someone rides for. Finally I made the choice. I considered Jürgen Roelandts for a long time. I explained to him why he is not here."

Carlo Bomans does not agree that Greg Van Avermaet must be held back in order to win the Worlds. This was suggested by his BMC team manager Allan Peiper.

"You have to let Greg do his race. If you hold him back, you will not see the Greg you expect. You have to give him freedom.

"If everyone has to do as some think, there will soon be no spectators anymore. Take riders like Van Avermaet and Sagan away and you just have to turn your TV on for the final sprint."

And who does Bomans fear on Sunday? "I will look at the traditional names. Degenkolb, Matthews, Kristoff and Terpstra. He  is a dangerous rival. Terpstra doesn't get much attention but he's a sniper. I also think that the Spaniards should take the initiative though there are many countries who will benefit from a tough race."