Note to all WorldTour teams – do not upset Omega Pharma-Quickstep. Just when you think the Belgian super team have lost some of their aura, back they come and in some style. A disappointing showing at the Omloop was followed by a comprehensive victory the following day at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. When Michal Kwiatkowski was removed from the blue jersey at Tirreno-Adriatico, the team responded by setting up Mark Cavendish for an incredible stage victory.

And now, having missed out at the Ronde, Niki Terpstra stormed to victory at Paris-Roubaix, with Zdenek Stybar and Tom Boonen also earning top-ten places and more WorldTour points – the end product being Omega Pharma-Quickstep have earned a big lead in the UCI world rankings. It was not just in northern Europe the team impressed either. In the Basque Country, two stage wins for Tony Martin, one for Wout Poels and second place overall for Michal Kwiatkowski means the Belgian super team are starting to fire on all cylinders. Equipped to challenge on all fronts, this could be the best year yet for Patrick Lefevere’s men.