Kris Boeckmans has had an excellent spring behind. After several poor seasons, Boeckmans won Gullegem Koerne two days, his ninth victory in 2015.

"This year everything finally comes together," Boeckmans tells Sporza. "Last season I crashed a few times, just when the shape was there, but this season it finally works.

"And wins give wings. For a sprinter confidence is everything. Look at Demare in the Tour of Belgium. He had to wait long for his first victory, but when he finally got one, he took another just one day later."

In the international victory rankings, Boeckmans is only behind Kristoff (16) and Cavendish (13) but the Lotto Soudal sprinter is realistic about his capabilities.

"I'm still a bit behind those riders. For now I'm happy with my nine wins. But the intention is to take another step, starting from Sunday in the Dauphine."

In the 2014 Dauphiné, the 28-year-old was second on a stage  last year second in a ride, but this year he hopes to do even better.

"I start at the Dauphiné with the ambition to win a stage. Afterwards, the Belgian championships should also be one for me. But I will be less of an underdog than I was last year."