Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing)
Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing)
Spartacus was unlucky to miss out 12 months ago, caught behind a crash he had just chased back on to the front group when Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) dropped the hammer.
Needing to chase back again, the three-time winner found himself lacking support from his rival riders – with team-mate Stijn Devolder burying himself to no avail for Cancellara.
The Swiss admitted he was disappointed to ‘only’ win the Tour of Flanders 12 months ago, and – after missing out at Milan-San Remo – his hunger for a fourth E3 victory will only have grown.
His form to date has been good too, with a time trial stage win at Tirreno-Adriatico and victory on the undulating Al Bustan stage in Oman already to his name.
He has the legs – even if he did miss out in the sprint on his most recent outing at Milan-San Remo, and in Devolder boasts one of the most formidable domestiques on the provisional startlist.
If given license to attack, the 35-year-old two-time Tour of Flanders winner will also fancy his chances but his priority is likely to be for Cancellara.
And if the Swiss superstar can avoid the misfortune that struck him in this race last year, when the front group hits the Kwaremont – Spartacus’ favourite hunting ground – expect fireworks.