Van Avermaet: Winning races isn't as easy as flicking a switch
09 March 2018 05:40
After a 2017 Classics season in which Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing) was virtually unstoppable, the scenario of a direct repeat this year was always going to be difficult. Almost on cue, the first minor setbacks – not repeating his win in Omloop and a disappointing showing in Strade Bianche – have been met with doubts and question marks over his form and credentials. But while the Belgian press have wondered 'what's happened to golden Greg?' the man himself has been unwaveringly confident – net not even a shade cocky – in his own abilities. "It's hard to match last season. I said that at the beginning of this season," he told Cyclingnews at Tirreno-Adriatico. "I was pretty impressive last year, and I was first or second in all the kind of races I went for. Even with the same legs it would be hard because of luck. We'll see how far I can come this year. I'm not expecting the same run, but I hope to have one or two big results. If you win one big one then it's enough."ADVERTISEMENT Last season saw Van Avermeat cement his place as a Classics leader and winner. He claimed Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, E3 Harelbeke, Gent-Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix, with a second place at the Tour of Flanders thrown in for good measure. Philippe Gilbert played his role, of course, but few could argue that Van Avermaet was the man of the spring. This time around, Van Avermaet had had to deal with new factors and challenges. Illness has played a part, while the weather and different race circumstances must also be considered. "I was disappointed with Strade Bianche. I was expecting more, but I didn't have good legs and didn't perform like I wanted to," he said of his 34th place.
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