Philipsen has proven himself in the past, but his form entering Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was nothing but impressive as he kept up with the best over the day's climbs and where Alpecin took initiative early on to split the peloton. A second place came out of that race, but at Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne the team did a perfect leadout to set him up for victory. As the big spring classics begin, the Belgian team begins to show it's true colours finally - until recently, it had been placing last when it cames to UCI points scored out of all World Tour outfits.
This is already a trend, but it is a purposeful plan, as confirmed by team boss
Christoph Roodhooft: "In recent years, our best form always came later. We assume that our planning is still good and that we are not peaking too early now. The most important thing is of course yet to come, but I am happy that the opening weekend was also successful for once. We have been here for years without a result and now it is a top weekend."