Second last year, Greg van Avermaet has come back stronger this time out and the 29-year-old has been testing his legs in recent weeks.

A spectacular crash at E3 Harelbeke has set him back slightly – he was dropped by his rivals on the Kemmelberg at Gent-Wevelgem, but did finish the race – one of only 39 riders to do so.

However, with a week to recover since then, the Belgian – who has one victory to his name this year, on Tirreno-Adriatico’s uphill finish – is likely to fly the BMC Racing flag again at the Ronde.

His second place last year came after an attack with 37 kilometres – and four climbs – to go, but Cancellara caught him on the descent of the Paterberg and proved too powerful in the finale.

This time out, the team boasts strength in depth again if they want to repeat a similar tactic while Daniel Oss has form if they have to turn to plan B.

Based on their performances so far this season, not least at Milan-San Remo, you can expect to see plenty of the team in red and black at any rate.