The Tour of Flanders is 259 kilometres of narrow country roads, lung bursting climbs, wind and cobblestones. It is Paris-Roubaix with hills, a true Monument of cycling, and you can join us for all the action right here on The Roar from 10pm tonight eastern Australian time.
Last year everybody’s favourite cyclist, Fabian Cancellara, outpointed the young upstart, Peter Sagan, with a powerful ascent of the Paterberg.
This year Sagan is hoping to reverse the result and will present himself in the best possible form and condition to do so. He pulled out of last week’s Three Days of de Panne despite being in the leader’s jersey to be best prepared for tonight’s race.
But Cancellara’s form is also building, and this is his sort of terrain.
The inclusion of Tom Boonen, back after an absence through injury last year, adds an extra dimension. Although nursing a sore thumb after crashing at last weekend’s E3 Heralbeke, the big Belgian will be eager to make history and claim a record fourth win at Flanders.
While Cancellara, Sagan and Boonen go into the race as deserving favourites, nothing is ever certain in bike races such as these. Anything can happen.
A supporting cast of riders such as Ghent-Wevelgem winner John Degenkolb, former Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, fading star Filippo Pozzato and Australian powerhouse Luke Durbridge will ensure that the favourites are kept on their toes.
It promises to be one of the races of the year.
Please join our live blog from 10pm tonight.
Sean Lee
Expert
Sir Wiggo was nowhere to be seen once the favourites started duking it out.
chris harland
Guest
What happened to "Sir" Bradley?
Jamie Finch-Penninger
Roar Rookie
Not far off, Vandenbergh certainly wasn't prepared to make any pace for the others. Thought he had it at on his first big attack. Vanmarcke made a bit of a mistake there, dragging Cancellara back over to the front two.
Sean Lee
Expert
Thanks for joining me tonight. Don't forget that The Roar has all your cycling needs covered so check back regularly for expert articles, opinions and of course live coverage of all the big races. Good night.
Sean Lee
Expert
The top ten of the 2014 Tour of Flanders - 1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Trek Factory Racing 2 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team 3 Sep Vanmarcke (Bel) Belkin Pro Cycling Team 4 Stijn Vandenbergh (Bel) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team 5 Alexander Kristoff (Nor) Team Katusha 6 Niki Terpstra (Ned) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team 7 Tom Boonen (Bel) Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team 8 Geraint Thomas (GBr) Team Sky 9 Björn Leukemans (Bel) Wanty - Groupe Gobert 10 Sebastian Langeveld (Ned) Garmin Sharp
Sean Lee
Expert
I was waiting for one of them to do a track stand!
Sean Lee
Expert
Cancellara cracks a beer as he sits and waits for the presentation ceremony!
Jamie Finch-Penninger
Roar Rookie
They left that sprint very late. Cancellara finally started that sprint at the 200, so it was hard for the guys behind to get any slipstream effect benefit from him, and with his power, he was too hard to get past.
Sean Lee
Expert
Once again, Sparticus proves that he is the strongest. He becomes a three time winner of this event! Boonen came in seventh. Sagan missed out on the top ten.
Sean Lee
Expert
1st - Cancellara 2nd- Van Avermaet 3rd - Vanmarcke 4th - Vandenbergh
Sean Lee
Expert
Amazing finish. The four leaders were just rolling towards the finish. No one wanting to make the break. Cancellara left it to the last minute and just managed to out last Van Avermaet to the line.
Sean Lee
Expert
Cancellara gets it, out dragging Van Avermaet.
Sean Lee
Expert
300 tp go. All together
Sean Lee
Expert
The four leaders are zig zagging over the road. 1km to go. They jave slowed almost to a walk.
Sean Lee
Expert
Cancellara surges but it comes to nothing. They are slowing and playing silly buggers. The chasers are only 25 seconds back though.
Sean Lee
Expert
Vanmarcke bridges back with Cancellara on his wheel. Back together. 2 kms to go.
Sean Lee
Expert
Vandenbergh surges. cancellara and Vanmarcke are distanced. van avermaet is the only one who can go with him.
Sean Lee
Expert
5km to go.
Sean Lee
Expert
Cancellara does a big turn on the front, Vanmarcke takes over but quickly pulls aside. This group need to work together. van Avermaet does a descent turn before cancellara takes back over.
Sean Lee
Expert
Cancellara, Van Avermaet, Vandenbergh and Vanmarcke now hold a 26 second lead. The winner should come from this group. 8km to go.