After a month of racing in the south of Europe and the Middle East, Wanty-Groupe Gobert lines up for the first Spring races of the year in Flanders: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

“We have done well in the past weeks but on European soil more would have been possible," sports director Hilaire Van Der Schueren said.

In the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad the team starts with: Marco Marcato, Tom Devriendt, Dimitri Claeys, Kévin Van Melsen, Robin Stenuit, Frederik Veuchelen, Simone Antonini and Jérôme Baugnies.

“This weekend we miss two strong riders: Frederik Backaert and Björn Thurau. They are ill. Our goals haven't changed: being part of the breakaway but this year I also want to see two or three riders in the final of the race."

Marcato will be the team's captain in the Omloop. The Italian came in sixth in 2012.

“I haven't reached my peak form just yet but I feel good towards the Spring Classics in March. The Omloop is the first real test on the cobbles and it's an important moment to see where the competition stands. However, there are still many races to come after this weekend as well. We worked well in Qatar and Oman. The races were fast, the weather was good and the level of riders was really high. All the things that you need to improve your form," Marcato added.

On Sunday Wanty-Groupe Gobert will line up for Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne with: Roy Jans, Kenny Dehaes, Mark McNally, Robin Stenuit, Simone Antonini, Frederik Veuchelen, Tom Devriendt and Kévin Van Melsen.

“Roy Jans naturally is our most important rider in a race which often ends in a sprint. However, much will depend on how the racing unfolds between Kwaremont and Cote de Trieu,” Van Der Schueren concludes.

“I don't expect to have problems on the Kwaremont. I saw in Qatar and Oman that my condition is good. It is of course very important to start the hills in the right position but I have full confidence in the team for Sunday. Last year I was boxed in in the sprint. This year is about doing better," Jans said.