Winner at E3 Harelbeke and third at Gent-Wevelgem, Geraint Thomas has proved himself to be a major Classics contender.

The Welshman has continued a fine start to the season with his performances at the Classics so far, and his acceleration on Oude Kwaremont at the former was another reminder of his undoubted talents.

His acceleration for the line, away from Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-QuickStep) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff-Saxo) was a further show of strength – both knew it was coming, but neither could respond.

And having bounced back from being blown off his bike to claim third in Wevelgem, all eyes will be on the Welshman on Sunday.

He is not Sky’s only big hope either – Ian Stannard’s second consecutive Omloop Het Nieuwsblad win showed he too is a big contender on the cobbles.

Injury robbed him the chance to take his Omloop success into the Ronde last year, but he is back and looks fitter and stronger than ever this time out.

Team Sky have ended their long search for a cobbled WorldTour Classic win, next on the agenda is finally ticking off one of cycling’s Monument – and this is without doubt their best chance of doing that yet.