Etixx-Quick Step has presented itself to the cycling press and fans on the slopes of the Flemish Cycling Centre. "We were the best team in 2014 and want to be again in 2015," said Zdenek Bakala, the team’s patron.

It is becoming a tradition to present the riders of Etixx-Quick Step on the cycling track in Ghent. The riders of the team compete against each other in different races but it was obviously sporting afterthought.

The big bosses are happy with the selection for 2015. "We were clearly the best team in the world in 2014 and hope to emulate in 2015," said Zdenek Bakala, the Czech lender.

"We need Bakala and are very grateful that he supports a team in Belgium," said Marc Coucke. "Without him, our team wouldn’t stand at such a high level."

"I dream that Boonen may give us one more success in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix."