Despite having swapped BMC for Etixx-QuickStep for 2017, Philippe Gilbert is determined to end his five years with the Swiss backed US team with one last big victory.

"I want go all the way through to Lombardy, it was not easy with Rio and [the Tour of] Norway and now here, with a lot of travels and different climates, but now I'm here and it's okay. To leave from BMC with a big win is something that motivates me," he told Cyclingnews.

His BMC DS at the race, Max Sciandri says it will be a shame to lose such a champion and had nothing but praise for the Belgian.

"He's up for Lombardia, and that's the end for us, it's a shame because he's a winner, when he goes to a bike race he wants to win. Some people have that drive less than others and Phil's got the charisma, he's one of the guys who can pull the team together, especially in the Classics."