After a great performance in Gent-Wevelgem, Taylor phinney made the cut for BMC’s team for the Tour of Flanders, remining himself of why he loves cycling in the process.

“I was reminded a lot of why I really like this sport,” Phinney told VeloNews on Friday. “When I was younger, I fell in love with racing in Belgium. They were my kind of races, and I haven’t raced here in two years, and I’ve almost forgotten them. It was nice to be reminded what these races are all about.”

He is excited to be part of the BMC team that can genuinely win the race with on form Greg Van Avermaet. Phinney says the full team believes in their leader.

“It’s a huge honor,” Phinney said. “All the work, and stress of taking care of my body, it’s nice to have that pay off. I am ready to work for the team, and to help Greg go for the win. We all believe in him. I’m jazzed to be part of that.”

The ride in Wevelgem has given Phinney hope he can once more get on track to contend in the classics in the future following his comeback from injury.

“There’s a big difference from being there in the last hour of the race, and winning the race. I am going to these races in a supporting role,” he said. “Gent-Wevelgem gave me good hope for years to come that I will be able, once I have put the injury and recovery behind me, to look forward to these races again in the future.”