Last year Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quick Step) rode strongly in the spring classics and now he even aims for a spot on the podium. "But I don't want to have a leadership role," he says. Also Julien Vermote is happy with his role as luxury domestique. "I can be of great support for a leader."

Last season Stijn Vandenbergh showed himself consistently in the spring and was so close to crowning a great performance with a podium at the Tour of Flanders. "I have taken satisfaction from my spring, but there was no victory or podium," he tells Sporza.

"The reason? You need some luck, but I also need to work on my sprint. Hopefully, I won't finish fourth in 2015 but finish third, second or first."

Vandenbergh has no problem with the fact that Boonen and Terpstra have priority. "We have a very strong Quick Step team, so I understand the team tactics. I don't want to be a leader because I feel good when I am a luxury domestique. As a leader you are nervous and now I do not feel that pressure.

"This year, the spring races are the main goal. I feel good in the team. The team is international, but it's still a good mix with some Belgians. Lampaert has also joined us and he will be a great asset."

Julien Vermote has a similar approach. The Belgian feels completely at home at Etixx-Quick Step. "I feel that I can do my job in this team and get respect. The good team atmosphere is the strength of our team," Vermote told Sporza.

"You always have some ambition, but I feel well in my role as luxurury domestique. I want to gain experience and when the opportunity arises, I want to ride for the win. My strength is that I can be of service for all leaders. I have done good races for Uran, Cavendish and Boonen."