Philippe Gilbert won the 2006 and 2008 Het Volk, the previous incarnation of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. He feels ready to win the Belgian Classics opener for a third time this afternoon, as he told Sporza.

"My condition is good and I'm motivated. When I won, I was younger, but I would obviously like to win a third time. There are a lot of riders who can win a race of 200 kilometers. I am one of them, but my intention is mainly to peak in late April for the Ardennes. I'm on schedule. "

Yet Gilbert gives thanks for a role as the underdog to Greg van Avermaet. He will not work as a servant for Van Avermaet. "I have my own chance and then we'll see who can win. The team sees two leaders as an advantage. Why should not we do that on this course? It is always easier to ride your own race."