The season’s two biggest one-day races are almost upon us, with the two greatest Classics riders of this generation set to go wheel-to-wheel for supremacy on the cobbles.
Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) and Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) are both bidding for an unprecedented third career Tour of Flanders/Paris-Roubaix double this season. However, while the pair have been the dominant Classics riders of the modern day, they have rarely faced each other at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, owing to injury, and that sets up a tantalising clash over the week ahead.
But as one of the biggest weeks on the pro cycling calendar nears, the two will not be getting it all their own way – certainly not if the in-form Peter Sagan (Cannondale) has anything to do with it.
Winner at E3 Harelbeke last week and third at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday, Sagan is desperate for a first Monument win and will be a serious contender in the days ahead.
With all three set for a battle royale on the cobbles of Belgium and northern France, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the races ahead, the riders, their form and their teams.
Who are you backing for the Ronde and Paris-Roubaix? Let us know in the forum.
