Van Aert hopes to end his successful season with another highlight. “I am very motivated for ‘De Ronde’. I had very good legs in Gent-Wevelgem last week, so I don’t think that has changed. My biggest competitors are Van der Poel and Alaphilippe. But last Sunday, riders like Bettiol, Küng and Pedersen also showed to be very strong, so I will certainly take them into account.”

The weather forecasts for the last monument of the year are not bad. “I expected more difficult conditions, but it doesn’t really matter. It is still one of the toughest classics on the calendar. When the weather is good, the peloton will race faster which will separate the wheat from the chaff.

The Belgian also appeals to all cycling fans to watch the race from home. “I want to ask the fans to stay at home and enjoy the race in front of the television. I think we have to do this if we want to count on the next spring classics.”

Mike Teunissen isn't feeling well and won't start in the Tour of Flanders. Bert-Jan Lindeman replaces him. Teunissen hopes to be at the start of De Panne on Wednesday.