Yesterday Greg Van Avermaet was a star of his own when he attended the Flandriencross in Hamme. In an interview with Sporza, he took the time to reflect on his 2014 season and look ahead to 2015. "I am convinced that I belong with the best riders in the world," he said.

This Greg Van Avermaet was close to his first major victory in a classic. "2014 was a good year," the BMC rider said. "And even though it did not always pay off, I will take things as they come.

"I was strong enough to win and with a little more experience I should be able to bethere again. Now I am 29 years old, my best year are coming. In any case, I want to keep my attacking riding style and then the great classic win will come.

"The mental aspect is very important for a rider. I am convinced that I among the best riders in the world . I go into the classics with confidence."

Even though it seems that Van Avermaet is only focussed on a big win, he plays it down in the interview with Sporza.

"A classic win no obsession. If I still haven't succeeded at 33 years of age, it may become an obsession."

In 2014 Van Avermaet was the only leader of BMC in the cobbled classics, but now Philippe Gilbert has made it clear that he wants to ride these races again. "That's not nice to hear," Van Avermaet admits.

"Last year we had decided that Philippe leader was in the Walloon races and I was the leader in the Flemish races. Now Philippe will ride the Flemish races again and De Ronde will certainly be one of them.

"We have to consider things carefully but I think the first training camp in December will clarify a lot. The team leaders will have their say and then we have to decide whether we have to ride those races together."

At Lotto, Van Avermaet and Gilbert clashed on several occasions.

"Back then we both wanted to prove ourselves and it was hard but now I have become a lot stronger and Philippe has built a very good palmares. He is calmer now. But I am still ambitious and wants to have my own chance in the Flemish races. If we make good palns, it will probably not be a problem."

Van Avermaet feel sufficiently supported at the BMC team. "I think that the team has been improved a lot this year. For the first time I did the Flemish classics as the clear leader and got a lot of help. This has made a difference.

"I think that BMC has changed compared to two years ago, going in the right direction. Everyone believes in me, I get the support from the team. The arrival of Valerio Piva and Allan Peiper was necessary. There are stricter guidelines."