Michael Matthews has been flying under the radar in 2014 in terms of being mentioned in the list of contenders for the “Big Classics” but he has won twice already this year and is looking to make it a third win in Amstel Gold on Sunday.

“The Amstel Gold Race is going to suit me,” Matthews told VeloNews. “It’s basically the same as Brabantse Pijl but on a bit of a higher level.”

The 23 year old is evidently on form and has a secret weapon to play. That weapon is Simon Gerrans. Gerrans is an outright favourite for the race and as a consequence, this is allowing Matthews to have time to prepare away from the spotlight for what will be his biggest test so far in 2014. Matthews is a favourite in his own right due to his fast finish and amazing climbing that he has shown both in Paris-Nice and the Tour of the Basque Country.

Once again he showed his potential with second on Wednesday behind Philippe Gilbert in Brabantse Pijl.

“I definitely had the legs to win Brabantse Pijl but I was boxed into the last corner by Arashiro. I couldn’t get through and had to settle for second,” Matthews said.

“I’m just coming off of two wins and that makes a difference heading into races like Brabantse Pijl and Amstel Gold. It’s nice to be back on top with wins under your belt because you go into the races with more confidence. I hope there’s more to come from here in both Amstel and the Giro d’Italia.”

Gerrans has been third twice in Amstel and along with Matthews and Impey, Orica Greenedge has one of the strongest teams in the race.

“Orica will be one of the strongest teams because we have several options — and that helps going into it,” Matthews said. “We don’t just have one favorite, but three favorites with Gerrans and Impey. Being able to play off one another takes the pressure off and allows the other two to rest and to counter any moves."

“I’m taking confidence from the two wins and this second place into the Amstel Gold Race.”

Matthews’ next goal is the Giro d’Italia where he would be a strong bet to pick up at least one stage as he can climb much better than the likes of Kittel and Greipel. He has Grand Tour pedigree too, as shown when he took two stages and was by far and away the best sprinter in the Vuelta a Espana last year.

“After the Amstel Gold Race, the Giro is my goal. Orica is aiming for the team’s TT in Belfast. We will see how long we can hold the jersey for after that, and I’ll certainly try to win a stage,” Matthews said.

“The Giro’s a goal for me. I hope to hold this form through to the Giro and have good legs there. I also want to take it onto the Tour de France.”

By Sunday night we will know if the man named “Bling” will have struck gold.