As defending champion at both the Ronde and Paris-Roubaix, Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) could become the first rider ever to win three career ‘doubles’. Cancellara, along with Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), is undoubtedly one of the finest Classics riders of this generation and proved it with a stunning ride in this race last year. His acceleration on the Oude Kwaremont did not just drop his rivals, it blew the race apart. And after ridding himself of Peter Sagan (Cannondale) on the Paterberg, his time-trialling ability meant his victory was comprehensive.

But the tag of being defending champion has already proved too much in one race this year – Spartacus finding himself short of allies after being caught behind a crash at E3 Harelbeke. With little support, he was unable to bridge to Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) and Sagan’s attack group. The phenomenal effort he and team-mate Stijn Devolder – himself a two-time former champion – bodes very well for the Ronde however. A bit more luck, and Cancellara certainly has the legs – despite a slow start to the season – to win again.