Biniam Girmay eager to kick off spring campaign with rainy Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: "We're ready for anything"

Biniam Girmay took is first win of the season in Australian earlier this year and then returned home to prepare for the spring classics. The Eritrean has made the trip back to Europe recently and starts his campaign at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

"Very good, exciting... I've been looking for a while for these classics. I had a really good time at home really, good preparation. Good teammate, Rein Taaramae, I'd like to say thank you for him coming - we had a really good time at home so now it's time to test the legs today," Girmay told Eurosport this morning at the start of the race. Milano-Sanremo, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix are all in Girmay's schedule this spring, who also looks to perform in some of the non-monument classics.

Today is a good example as he leads Intermarché - Wanty. "Today we spoke just small details about the parcours, luckily we not only have Mike (Teunissen, former race winner, ed.), but several other experienced riders also. He said only 'follow me' so I'll try to follow him," Girmay laughs. The team won't have responsibility to work this afternoon, but to fight for a strong result they will require good timing and good legs.

Girmay also believes that anything can happen in a race like this, and won't be surprised with any scenario: "In new cycling it's totally different. Maybe it can start after 50K or 100K anything can happen. There are also a lot of strong teams, it can happen different scenarios I think we're ready for anything."