Today, BMC will unleash two of the best Classic riders in the peloton in an attempt to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Belgain duo Greg van Avermaet and Philippe Gilbert will both race for themselves and give the team two legitimate winner candidates, as the riders told Sporza.

"I'm in good shape. Not top, but good enough to win. The Omloop is a race that suits me well and anyhting less than a victory won’t do. Winning is always the goal in the race," said a keen Van Avermaet.

"Last year I was second, hopefully I can make this year a better place. If you lose, you're always looking for reasons. I have learned from the previous edition not to underestimate anyone in the sprint."

As he is peaking for the cobbles, he says he is further ahead than Gilbert is in terms of form, saying he should be the better rider to win the race, although Gilbert, who has one the race twice, can’t be ruled out.

"We are both trying to ride the final. If we succeed, we have both good cards to win. At this time, my condition is somewhat better because Gilbert wants to peak later in the season, but he is already strong enough to be in front in the final."