Personal cyclists want to perform on home roads, and not least when following in the footsteps of some of the most famous riders in the history of the sport, as the Belgians are.

From Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE), Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Richie Porte (Team Sky) putting on a show for their home fans at the Tour Down Under in January, to the all-new Skydive Dubai team ensuring their sponsors got plenty of exposure at the inaugural Dubai Tour, there is no substitute for home advantage – but the Belgians on show at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne took it to a whole new level.

When Mark Cavendish won in 2012, the last time the race was run after the 2013 edition was cancelled due to snow, not a single Belgian made the top ten behind the Manxman.

This time out only two riders in the top ten – Moreno Hofland (Netherlands) and Matteo Trentin (Italy) – heralded from outside Belgium, and even the latter rides for a Belgian team.

Having accelerated over Oude Kwaremont, the Belgians looked completely at home as they set the pace in the front group. It is far too early to judge, but home fans will certainly be hoping it is not the last they see of the likes of Tom Boonen and Sep Vanmarcke at the sharp end of races this season.

But on the other hand, Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) and Peter Sagan (Cannondale Pro Cycling), neither of whose teams entered this weekend’s racing, may have something to say about that.