Greg van Avermaet has had a strong season with the Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro and a stage win in the Tour de France. This weekend, the Belgian rider won the GP Cycliste de Montréal. The BMC leader hopes to be present in Doha at the end of this season to defend his nation's colours at the World Championships. 

Tom Boonen will be the leader and Van Avermaet will have a 'free role'.

"Tom Boonen certainly has a chance in the sprint, but I see myself playing a free role," the 31-year-old told Belgian media. "At the Worlds I hope to do what I love to do; go on the attack, happy with whatever happens as a consequence. We the Belgian team must go to the Worlds as outsiders and see what happens."

"The Olympic title brings some peace. I had to prove my entire career that I could do it, but with that gold medal that happened, the recognition is there now."