Two days ago, BMC checked the course for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Philippe Gilbert, the winner of the 2006 and 2008 editions, jjoined Greg Van Avermaet and three other teammates on the road.

"Gilbert, Van Avermaet, Dylan Teuns, Luxemburger Jean-Pierre Drucker and German Rick Zabel did a course recon," sports director Valerio Piva told Sporza. "We made ​​a trip of about 130 kilometers. I find this recon really necessary and afterwards Gilbert agreed with me. After all, he didn't ride the Omloop last year. For guys like Van Avermaet, it was a good to get renewed acquaintance with the race. My five riders now have the bends, the cobbles and the climbs fresh in the heads.

"The weather was not favorable for us, but that may also be the case on Saturday. Gilbert and Van Avermaet are both very good and at BMC they both enjoy a protected status. We are going to wait for the evolution of the race to find the right strategy. This course is tailor-made for Van Avermaet but Gilbert has already won the Omloop it twice, albeit on a totally different course. Unfortunately, Swiss Stefan Küng is out of the selection. He is sick and will be replaced by his compatriot Danilo Wyss."