The Olympic road race champion formed part of a six-man move at the race, which took place on a mixture of cobbled sectors and narrow roads.

They moved clear of the peloton inside the final 68 kilometres of the 206km International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race.

He was joined by fellow Belgians Oliver Naesen, Sep Vanmarcke and Philippe Gilbert, with their break proving the decisive move of the day.

Despite the efforts of the main field, including last year’s winner and reigning world champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia, the quartet would pull away.

The Belgians joined forces with the day’s early breakaway and increased their advantage as they approached the Oude Kwaremont climb at 39km to the finish.

Vanmarcke and the early escapees would begin to fall away as Naesen increased the pace on the climb, which removed all but two rivals.

The AG2R La Mondiale rider was unable to shake off the attentions of Gilbert and Van Avermaet, with the trio heading into the finish together.

Naesen would launch the final sprint for the line, but he was overhauled by the two classics specialists in the rush for the victory.

Van Avermaet, who won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last month, had the edge on Gilbert to take the victory in a time of 4 hours, 48min and 17sec.

Both Gilbert and Naesen were awarded the same time, with the pair ending second and third respectively.

Having earned his first E3 Harelbeke win, Van Avermaet will emerge as one of the favourites to triumph at the Tour of Flanders, which will take place on April 2.

He will also move to the top of the UCI WorldTour rankings.