After his non-selection for the Tour de France, Kris Boeckmans sent a strong signal to the Lotto Soudal management when he finished second in Halle-Ingooigem.

"I started my sprint too early," he told Het Nieuwsblad. "[Sports director] Frederik Willems had given us a clear description of the finale. He was of the opinion to start early. But to start 300 meters from the finish was just too much. Fortunately only Nacer Bouhanni passed. My train was very strong, but Bouhanni could take advantage of my speed and easily passed me.

"On Sunday at the Belgian championships. we will not have one leader in our team. At least, that's what I think. We always have to have a fast rider in the breaks. 

"My non-selection for the Tour de France? I had already asked the question whether I would go to the Tour, but I never got a concrete response. They kept beating around the bush and then you quickly get a vague suspicion. Together with the coach, I will now make a new schedule for the remainder of the season. Maybe I'll go on a team training camp but everything is still to be discussed."