John Degenkolb returned to form at the Tour of Flanders, finishing seventh and spending much of the race in the front group.

The German, winner at Milan-San Remo, was unable to defend his Gent-Wevelgem title but – having finished second at Paris-Roubaix last year – starts with a good chance of adding a second Monument win to his name.

Strong over the cobbles, and comfortable on the flat secteurs of pavé where the likes of Kristoff are not so much, Degenkolb will also back himself in a sprint finish – which is how he grabbed second last year from the chasing group.

Degenkolb will boast a strong team for the race, with Koen de Kort, Nikias Arndt, Roy Curvers and Albert Timmer among those looking to put the German in contention for victory.

If he can stick with the front group again this time out, and certainly if it comes to a sprint finish, he will stand a great chance of at least matching last year’s second place.