Greg Van Avermaet certainly proved himself this season after new BMC Racing manager Allan Peiper appointed him team leader for cobbled classics, but despite posting several very respectable results throughout the year, the 29-year old Belgian still waits to claim first win in 2014. Incredibly strong on paper, Van Avermaet usually lacks something extra to turn his undeniable advantages into race victories, but he expects to break a draught in the Would Championships in September, as the route in Ponferrada suits his characteristics perfectly well.

Van Avermaet confessed that after riding several years in a supporting capacity he felt ready to take over the reins and a trust given him by BMC team additionally boosted his confidence. While the 29-year old Belgian acknowledges that constantly narrowly missing on victories is more due to his personality than lack of speed or good fortune, he still expects to turn things around very soon – preferably during this year’s World Championships held in Ponferrada.

"It is, of course, always annoying that I can’t ‘shoot the main bird’ (win a race, ed.). Currently there is no killer in me,” he said on Sportweekend, according to Sporza.be.

“There’s a winner in me, but he is on holiday this year, I think.”

“Being the leader also gives me extra confidence. Having the whole team riding for me is the biggest change for me this year.”

Van Avermaet last raced the Clasica San Sebastian on Saturday where he posted yet another top ten result of 2014 season, but now it’s all about building up towards his biggest goal of the second part of the year, World Championships in the end of September.

“It's a course that suits me. It's easier than last year, but it's something for Classic riders who can climb.

"It is likely that a small group will come to the finish. In that case, I am one of the fastest guys in the peloton. I can become world champion, but things need to go right.”

"I also feel that I get better every year. They often say that you win Classics in your 30s, so my best years are coming.”