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Tour of Flanders 2014: preview

Fabian Cancellara defends Ronde title on Sunday

Sep Vanmarcke leads Belkin at the Ronde after a strong start to the season. Consistency has been key for the Belgian – fourth at the Omloop, third at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, fifth at E3 Harelbeke and fourth at Gent-Wevelgem. Now, he needs to step it up with the backing of a strong team if he wants to earn his first career Monument win. The 25-year-old famously missed out in the Roubaix velodrome last year at Paris-Roubaix and the Ronde represents a big chance to avenge his defeat to Fabian Cancellara.

Sep Vanmarcke, right, shares the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne podium with Tom Boonen and team-mate Moreno Hofland (pic: Tim de Waele/OPQS)

Belkin were the only team to come close to matching Omega Pharma-Quickstep’s dominant performance at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, while Vanmarcke’s fifth place at E3 Harelbeke came from a late attack on the chasing group – something which could prove very profitable if he finds himself in a better position in Oudenaarde. However, last year’s Paris-Roubaix showed the benefit of experience, which Vanmarcke lacked against Cancellara. This season’s form suggests he will feature at the sharp end, but to win takes another step up entirely.

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