Before Milan-Sanremo three Europe Tour one-day races are on the programme of Lotto Soudal: Nokere Koerse, Handzame Classic and Zeeland Seaports.

On Wednesday 18th March it’s Nokere Koerse, last year won by Kenny Dehaes. After the start in Deinze the peloton covers two big laps, then there are eight local laps in Nokere of 14.8 kilometres. The finish line is drawn on the cobbles of Nokereberg. Two days later the peloton moves to Bredene for the Handzame Classic, where Kenny Dehaes was the best in 2013. In the first 150 kilometres some hills are on the route, like the Monteberg and Kemmelberg. Next, there are four local laps of 15.8 kilometres around finish town Kortemark, with only one hill: the Ruidenberg.

On Saturday it’s the Zeeland Seaports race, won by André Greipel two years ago. Start and finish take place in Terneuzen. There are twelve cobblestone sectors and two local laps before the winner will likely be decided in a bunch sprint, after 196 kilometres. Kenny Dehaes is selected for all three races.

“I already had my share of bad luck this season," he said. "After crashing in the Tour Down Under my fingers were healed when I crashed again in the last stage of the Three Days of West-Flanders. It’s fine at the moment, I only have deep wounds on my elbow and hip and my arm and hand feel a bit stiff. Thanks to the help of the physiotherapist it’s getting better.

"That last stage in the Three Days of West-Flanders was the first day I rode on the bike with a good feeling and confidence, but that changed again because of that crash. That was mentally hard for a while. I just got back from Spain where I trained well. I had a good feeling, but of course a training isn’t the same as a race.

“First it was the ambition to win in the three upcoming races, but after all of this I will wait how the race develops and how I feel during the race. I cannot assess how my body will respond after my last crash, but I’m hoping for a super strong day.

"Actually, I hope for three super days, but if I have to choose I prefer Wednesday in Nokere. It’s starts in Deinze now, the city where I live. It’s already since my first year as a pro that I love riding Nokere Koerse. It’s a race that suits me. With the start close to my home and as last year’s winner I’m extra motivated to perform well.”

Selection Nokere Koerse:

Tiesj Benoot, Kris Boeckmans, Sean De Bie, Kenny Dehaes, Gert Dockx, Boris Vallée, Louis Vervaeke and Tosh Van der Sande.

Selection Handzame Classic and Ronde van Zeeland Seaports:

Sander Armée, Tiesj Benoot, Vegard Breen, Sean De Bie, Kenny Dehaes, Gert Dockx, Boris Vallée and Tosh Van der Sande.