After the Tour of Lombardy, it will be clear whether Belgium will have four or five riders in the road race at the Rio Olympics. "But then we have to keep the Netherlands and France behind us," nationcal coach Carlo Bomans told Sporza. "The riders know what's at stake."

The top five in the WorldTour nationas ranking after the Tour of Lombardy will be allowed to send the maximum of five riders to Rio for the road race.

Belgium is currently fifth, but they are under threat. The gap to number four Italy seems insurmountable, but the Netherlands can pass them, The difference is only 57 points.

For the ranking, the five best Belgian riders count. This means that the non-participation of Greg Van Avermaet is a problem.

"But I understand it," said Bomans. "Greg has had a very tough campaign and will perhaps also be a bit disappointed and tired after the Worlds. It is pointless to line up an exhausted rider."

Bomans has not told the other four riders, Gilbert, Wellens, De Clercq and Benoot, what is at stake. "Because that's not necessary. They know what is important.

"The Netherlands and possibly France are rivals. They can pass us. I cannot do much," said Bomans. "I can hardly intervene in the team orders."

Does it actually make a difference whether Belgium will have four or five riders for the Olympic road race? "I've seen the course and it is not easy. It is similar to a mountain stage in the Tour. So really something for the pure climbers and less for us Belgians."