Greg Van Avermaet: 'I won't be happy with second place anymore'
Only the top step of the podium will do for Greg Van Avermaet at this year's Tour of Flanders

Greg Van Avermaet attacks in the 2016 Dwars door Vlaanderen. Photo: Graham Watson

Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) made such a jump in quality over the last year that he says he will no longer be happy finishing second in the Tour of Flanders on Sunday.
Van Avermaet took his biggest win yet when he won the 13th stage of the Tour de France last year ahead of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff). He returned in 2016 to win the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad cobbled classic, and a stage and the overall title in the Tirreno-Adriatico. The step up in quality has made the nearly-man a five-star favourite for both Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
"If I’m second or third I will be disappointed," Van Avermaet said. "I’m not happy any more with second or third places. If you give it all and then you’re second or third it is like it is but you’re still disappointed. My only goal is winning those classics and if I’m not there then it’s just not good enough."
>>> Nine riders to watch at the Tour of Flanders
The 30-year-old placed third in both the Tour of Flanders and Roubaix last year. This year, with Tom Boonen still fighting to reach top form after fracturing his skull in October, Van Avermaet is the Belgian favourite.
The only hitch could be that he sat out E3 Harelbeke due to stomach problems. He raced Ghent-Wevelgem two days later, however, and just missed the winning move on the descent of the Kemmelberg.
Watch: Tour of Flanders essential guide
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"Every year, I feel like I can win and it and this year is my best year so far. I was a little bit sick last week and it didn’t go how I wanted it to go, but I feel that my strength is coming back. I’ve felt good this week and I’m really happy that I can be in the start in Bruges.
"OK, there is a lot of pressure but I am also going to enjoy it. It’s something special as a Belgian to start in these races as a leader of one of the biggest teams in the world,” added Van Avermaet.
>>> Tour of Flanders 2016: Latest news, TV guide and more
"For me, I think there was something in winning already. This is something that I take with me that I’ve won three races already ahead of this most important classic. I know I can beat strong guys and I know I finish races like [the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad].
"It gives me confidence that if we come in a sprint with four or five guys, which is a possibility in Flanders, that I can win."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
'I've worked a lot on my sprint' - Kristen Faulkner plots unpredictability on racing return
Olympic champion looking forward to "exciting challenge" of continuing to outfox bunch
By Tom Davidson
-
'This is a fresh start' - Belgian rider returns to professional cycling after two year anti-doping ban
Shari Bossuyt to ride for AG Insurance-Soudal from June
By Adam Becket
-
Professional riders need more protection from mindless 'fans' at major races to avoid another Mathieu van der Poel Paris-Roubaix bottle incident
Cycling's authorities must do everything within their power to prevent spectators from assaulting riders
By Tom Thewlis
-
British team blocked from competing in key Spring Classics
Hess Cycling not invited to Amstel Gold Race
By Tom Thewlis
-
'Once we were four, I was really confident about winning' - Tenacious Lotte Kopecky hangs in at Tour of Flanders for victory
The Belgian isn't interested in making history, but is just doing so accidentally
By Adam Becket
-
'It's scary to see how much better he is' - Tadej Pogačar conquers all at the Tour of Flanders
The world champion won by a minute after a decisive attack on the Oude Kwaremont
By Adam Becket
-
Tadej Pogačar must attack from range at the Tour of Flanders - taking Mathieu van der Poel to the line is not an option
Slovenian must look to replicate his Oude Kwaremont attack from 2023 if he wants to guarantee being first across the line in Oudenaarde
By Tom Thewlis
-
Mathieu van der Poel surges to E3 Saxo Classic victory after dropping Mads Pedersen on the Oude Kwaremont
Dutchman untouchable in West Flanders after distancing Pedersen and Filippo Ganna on decisive climb
By Tom Thewlis
-
'Flanders is a race that demands a complete cyclist' - Neilson Powless aims for the Ronde in key month
The American is set to ride Paris-Nice before taking on the Tour of Flanders and the Ardennes Classics
By Tom Thewlis
-
Elisa Longo Borghini pips Kasia Niewiadoma on the line to win second Tour of Flanders
In-form Italian praises Lidl-Trek team after repeating feat she achieved in 2015
By Tom Davidson