Jurgen Roelandts will be the leader of Lotto Soudal at the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. With his team manager Marc Sergeant, he goes into the race with big hopes. "It is a very difficult race to win," he says.

Yesterday Roelandts checked parts fo the course again. "The main purpose was to see how the wind was and to test the equipement," he told Sporza. "The course has no more secrets. Now it is all about rest and making sure that I will be fresh for Saturday.

Freshness is the key for Roelandts. This year he has changed his approach to the classics. "Last year I had already done 18 days of racing before the opening weekend. This year I have only done six.

"I have done some good training can and have worked less in Greipel's train. Hopefully this approach pays off. And not necessarily now but from Sanremo.

"I do miss some racingrhythm, but I want to be there in the finale. If things go well, I assume that I can win.

"It's a race without radios and therefore it is one of the hardest races to control, but I go to the start with an open mind. Omloop is very difficult to win, just ask Tom Boonen who has never won here.

"This year I will try to be in top form after TirrenoAdriatico. Then there are six beautiful races. If you are on the podium or take a win, you're doing well. This year I am aiming for better results than somewhere between 6th and 10th. Hopefully the new approach works."

Lotto Soudal team manager Marc Sergeant has been waiting  for a victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad since 2002 when Peter van Petegem won for the team. "It's time to make a change and time to see a Belgian team take the win.

"The opener always gives stress for everyone. It is the first race where the riders can see whether they are ready for the sprint. The preparation was good and we have already done well. We also have four different winners in our team.

"I am confident that the team is ready and can play for the win. It is a strange weekend, but we'll definitely go for a good result. For Roelandts, Greipel or Debusschere, it is absolutely possible.

"This spring Roelandts has a very different approach. He did not take the long trip to Qatar and Oman and has not had to deal with major temperature changes. That is not a guarantee of success, but he feels fresher. That makes me positive.

"On Saturday I want to see Jürgen when they get to the moment of truth. He must sit near the front front and not be afraid to make an effort."