The Tour of Flanders is the jewel in the crown of the Belgian calendar and to many it is the most important race of the entire season.
The cobbled Classics have thrown up some thrilling action already, from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad to Gent-Wevelgem last weekend. However, as many riders have already stated, the main event is this weekend.
Over the past month, there have been a select group of riders who have pushed to the front of the pack ahead and become the favourites for the Tour of Flanders, staking their claim on this most prestigious of victories.
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Cyclingnews has compiled a list of 10 riders that could be aiming for a place on the podium when the race reaches the finish in Oudenaarde on Sunday.
Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe)
Age: 27
Previous record: 1st (2016), 4th (2015), 16th (2014), 2nd (2013), 5th (2012), DNF (2011)
Cyclingnews star rating: *****
You can’t talk about any of the cobbled Classics without mentioning Peter Sagan, particularly as he’s defending champion here. While things haven’t always gone his way this season, Sagan has looked supreme in almost every race he’s done thus far. However, this sense of dominance can be Sagan’s biggest weakness. His Bora-hansgrohe team also lacks the firepower to compete with the likes of BMC and Quick-Step Floors, leaving him exposed to his rivals team tactics.
Sagan has proved time and again that he’s strong enough to ride away from the majority of the peloton but his strength means that teams are also unwilling to work with him. Riders know that they can’t bring him to the line and that has lost him opportunities of victory - last week's Gent-Wevelgem is a prime example.
Greg van Avermaet (BMC Racing)
Age: 31
Previous record: DNF (2016), 3rd (2015), 2nd (2014), 7th (2013), 4th (2012), 22nd (2011), 39th (2010), 35th (2009), 8th (2008), DNF (2007)
Cyclingnews star rating: *****
Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors)
Age: 34
Previous record: 75th (2012), 9th (2011), 3rd (2010), 3rd (2009), 15th (2008), 25th (2007), DNF (2006), DNF (2003)
Cyclingnews star rating: ****
Alexander Kristoff (Katusha-Alpecin)
Age: 29
Previous record: 4th(2016), 1st (2015), 5th (2014), 4th (2013), 15th (2012)
Cyclingnews: Star rating: ****
Oliver Naesen (AG2R La Mondiale)
Age: 26
Previous record: 22nd (2016), 35th (2015)
Cyclingnews star rating: ***
John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo)
Age: 28
Previous record: 7th (2015), 15th (2014), 9th (2013), 59th (2012), 94th (2011)
Cyclingnews star rating: ***
Tom Boonen (Quick-Step Floors)
Age: 36
Previous record: 15th (2016), 7th (2014), DNF (2013), 1st (2012), 4th (2011), 2nd (2010), 20th (2009), 17th (2008), 12th (2007), 1st (2006), 1st (2005), 25th (2004), 25th (2003), 24 (2002)
Cyclingnews star rating: ***
Tiesj Benoot (Lotto Soudal)
Age: 23
Previous record: DNF (2016), 5th (2015)
Cyclingnews star rating: **
Jens Keukeleire (Orica-Scott)
Age: 28
Previous record: 21st (2016), 19th (2015), 37 (2014), 110th (2013), 31st (2012), 106th (2011
Cyclingnews star rating: **
Sep Vanmarcke (Cannondale-Drapac)
Age: 28
Previous record: 3rd (2016), 53rd (2015), 3rd (2014), 29th (2013), 48th (2012), DNF (2011), 61st (2010
Cyclingnews star rating: **
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