2012 E3 Harelbeke one-day classic preview guide

The UCI WorldTour moves to Flanders, Belgium – for the 55th installment of the E3 Prijs Vlaanderen – Harelbeke, a one-day classic race over some dozen hills, various cobblestone sections, and covering a total of 203kms. The atmospheric conditions should be for cool temps, partly cloudy skies, and with some light winds.

Cancellara, F 4: Has won this race for the last two years, and with his superlitive form so far this season, it’s perhaps no surprise to find him installed as – a deserving – favourite. This distance will be more suitable as he won the Strade Bianche over 190km earlier, and rode his bicycle remarkably like a workhorse with both speed and power in Milan-SanRemo, being unlucky to just finish in 2nd place. When he won this race last year, he did so with a strong solo attack after multiple punctures in the race. The obvious danger. WIN only. Best bet.

Boonen, T 5: Holds the equal record for multiple wins, owning this race from 2004 to 2007. He finished 22nd in Milan-SanRemo, only 20secs behind the winner. 2nd in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, one month ago, before finishing in 42nd place in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. Been off the boil since then, and whislt he may put himself amongst the selective moves here, a top-20 result is most likely. Way under the odds. Worth the risk at this stage.

Gilbert, Philippe 8: Yet to find form this season, his high place on the bookmaker’s board comes on account of his expert credentials for this type of race in this neck-of-the-woods. 31st in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Over 7 mins down in 87th place at Milan-Sanremo didn’t inspire much confidence. Likely that he’ll use this race as a building foundation for the Tour of Flanders in about a week’s time. However, a rider of his class can never be discounted. Odds too short. Take on trust.

Sagan, P 14: Coming into some good form since Italy, and recently confirmed this by finishing just outside the podium, in 4th place at Milan-SanRemo. Distance may be more suitable, and on current form should be amongst the main contenders. Not to be discounted. One to consider very closely.

Boasson Hagen, E 17: 25th place finish in Milan-SanRemo. The last Norwegian to have won this race was Kurt Asle Arvesen in 2008. Ignore.

Haussler, H 17: 7th here last year. 4th in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, earlier, before a 68th place finish in Milan-SanRemo. May be amongst the top-15 contenders, however others have better prospects. Overlook.

Vanmarcke, S 18: 4th place finish here last year. Has already won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad over a similar distance, one month ago. Importantly, he rode well to finish 7th in the 200km Dwars door Vlaanderen, a few days ago. Excellent EACH-WAY prospect. Top showing.

Breschel, M 19: 31st place finish in Milan-SanRemo. Odds too short. Worth the risk.

Pozzato, F 19: Won this race in 2009. Finished 6th in Milan-SanRemo, then 6th in Dwars door Vlaanderen. Must be included amongst the main contenders. Good EACH-WAY value. Consider closely.

Chavanel, Sylvain 21: In 2009 he finished in 5th place here. 2nd place finish in Dwars door Vlaanderen, a few days ago. Perhaps surprisingly, a Frenchman has never won this race. Chavanel has the career results to be the first. Presents as a dangerous candidate for a podium result. Worthy of close consideration. Good EACH-WAY prospects.

Ballan, A 25: 8th in Milan-SanRemo, however he won’t be suited by the conditions here. Ignore.

Freire, O 30: 7th in Milan-SanRemo was a good result, however in the recent Dwars door Vlaanderen he was amongst the last riders to cross the finish line. Ignore.

Leukemans, B 30: 47th here last year when he finished over 4mins behind. 23rd in Milan-SanRemo recently, then 88th in Dwars door Vlaanderen in the 3mins:06secs group. Overlook.

Van Avermaet, G 35: Went into Milan-SanRemo with a heel injury and still managed a fair performance to finish in 69th place. Will be amongst some of the selective moves, and may finish in the top-15 riders if he’s feeling good? Take on trust.

Flecha Giannoni, J-A 35: In late-February he finished 3rd in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. In 2010, when he won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, he finished 3rd here and 3rd in Paris–Roubaix. Verify inclusion as he’s not actually on the Team Sky startlist. If it’s an oversight and he is starting than he’s worthy of close consideration for a podium result. Good value.

Boom, Lars 40: 32nd place finish in Milan-SanRemo was beyond expectations.The last Dutchman to have won this race was Steven de Jongh in 2003. Expect him to improve on his 57th place finish at this race last year. Worthy of some consideration on an EACH-WAY basis. Under the odds.

Van Summeren, J 60: 53rd here last year. Would need things to fall in his lap to win, and the hills won’t necessarily assist his chances. 81st in Milan-SanRemo. Others have much stronger claims. Overlook.

My selections:
1st: Cancellara, F.
2nd: Vanmarcke, S.
3rd: Chavanel, Sylvain.
Roughie: Boom, Lars.

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