Racing

Cobbled Classics 2014: five observations

As the Flandrian cobbles make way for the Ardennes hills, what have we learnt?

Cobbles, cobbles everywhere – the arrival of spring meant another campaign on the famous cobblestone climbs and pavé sectors of Belgium and France.

Peaking with the second and third Monuments of the year – the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix – the 2014 cobbled Classics campaign was one to remember after a series of enthralling races.

Fabian Cancellara was among the riders to impress during the cobbled Classics (pic: Sirotti)

The semi-Classics of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne saw Ian Stannard kick-start a moderately successful campaign for Team Sky before Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) announced his return to form.

Peter Sagan (Cannondale) then won E3 Harelbeke, John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) triumphed at Gent-Wevelgem, Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) claimed a third Tour of Flanders title and Niki Terpstra (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) soloed to a stunning Paris-Roubaix victory.

But as the Flandrian and French cobbles make way for the Ardennes hills, what have we learnt from the past six weeks of racing?

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