'Course is sacred, winning is blessed.'
Good Friday means it's time for the 59th E3 Harelbeke, the most exciting pre-Tour of Flanders cobbled race of the Spring. It always attracts the best as the riders in form will do well going forward to the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Prep is paramount and this race is majorly important attracting two champions: Tom Boonen (5 wins) and Fabian Cancellara (3 wins). These two went on to do quite well in ToF and PR. The appeal is the route. Notorious climbs: Taaienberg, Eikenberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg will test who are likely to go well at the Tour of Flanders. The cards look to be in favor for the Belgian Etixx-Quick Step with a mighty strong team assembled. If Boonen doesn't win, there's always a few aces in the sleeve; Stybar, Terpstra, Vandenbergh and Trentin. Happily, it won't be one-sided. These riders are eager and more than capable to seal the deal on Good Friday: Sagan, Cancellara, Bennot, Van Avermaet, Kristoff and Vanmarcke.
Peter Sagan seems to be the nearly man of the moment but he's ready to send the curse of the rainbow jersey packing.
"As well as the performance, a smart head will also undoubtedly play a key role. There will be very strong competition, and we obviously cannot underestimate anyone. However, I know that I can count on a strong team around me. I'm looking forward to this race."
- Peter Sagan.
Start list.
Comments