Last year’s runner-up has put in a number some strong Classics performances in recent years, not least with his second-place finishes at the Omloop and  Tour of Flanders last year.

Van Avermaet kicked off his 2015 season in good form at the Tour of Qatar, where he rode to fifth and he is likely to lead a strong BMC Racing team on Saturday.

Team-mate Philippe Gilbert is another possible contender, having won this race twice before, but van Avermaet proved last year he can be the American team’s number one on the cobbles.

Only Stannard’s faster finish denied him last time out, but van Avermaet will know if he can get to the front of the race and follow the right moves then he stands a good chance of victory.

Marcus Burghardt led him out in Qatar as he secured two top-ten finishes in the road stages, and the German is another possible outside bet for BMC Racing.

Van Avermaet, however, has earned the right to be their main man and, as he looks to go one better at the Ronde this season after last year’s second place, kicking off the Classics with victory would send out a big statement.