Fabio Jakobsen and Tim Merlier team up for the first time as Soudal - Quick-Step look to improve spring at Gent - Wevelgem

Patrick Lefevere has today dished out his dissatisfaction with Soudal - Quick-Step's performance at E3 Saxo Classic in his weekly column. The message was passed in the team bus yesterday, and there will be pressure to perform in Gent-Wevelgem, where the team brings it's two main sprinters.

Teaming up for the first time since Merlier's transfer, the Belgian and European Champions will be the headliners for Quick-Step. As the team hopes of a sprint finish, the work will be done around the duo and whoever of them resists best the inevitable attacks that will take place throughout the day.

Kasper Asgreen, Yves Lampaert and Florian Sénéchal in the meantime will have a critical role when it comes to countering attacks and making sure there is little cooperation in the offensive moments, as well as coordinating a chase and looking for alliances to bring the race back to a sprint where they have better chances.

Against Jumbo-Visma who are likely to attack the race it won't be easy, but there will be several top sprinters looking to perform here where Quick-Step may find alliances.

Soudal - Quick-Step for Gent-Wevelgem: Tim Merlier, Kasper Asgreen, Tim Declercq, Fabio Jakobsen, Yves Lampaert, Florian Sénéchal and Bert van Lerberghe.