Today’s Vattenfall Cyclassics will see many of the World’s best sprinters line up in a race that often comes down to a sprint finish. Amongst those who have won in the past include Oscar Freire, Robbie McEwen, Tyler Farrar and John Degenkolb.
The race, which was first run in 1998 was part of the World Cup is still part of the World Tour. The route used for the race doesn’t offer too many difficulties. The main obstacle that the riders will face is the climb of the Waseberg. The riders will have to tackle the climb (700 metres long at 16%) three times, with just 15 kilometres to the finish after the last ascent.
Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) is considered by many to be the favourite for the race. The German won four stages of the Tour de France, including the final stage on the Champs Elysées. One of his main challengers will be Alexander Kristoff (Katusha). The Norwegian has shown that he is in top form by taking a stage win in the recent Arctic Race of Norway and he is also the defending champion.
Marcel Kittel (Giant-Alpecin) has had a very difficult start to the season, but has recently shown that he may have overcome his problems. He won a stage of the Tour of Poland and the points classification. Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quickstep) and team mate Tom Boonen could also challenge. Boonen, in particular, seems to be in good shape, having taken a win in the recent Eneco Tour.
Other top sprinters who should be there at the finish include Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon 18) who also took a win in the Arctic Race of Norway, Arnaud Demaré (FDJ) who has also won here previously and Edvald Boassen Hagen (MTN-Qhubeka) who won a stage in the Post Danmark Rundt.
In all likelihood, it will come down to a sprint finish. However, the BMC duo of Philippe Gilbert and Greg van Avermaet will undoubtedly do their best to get clear of the peloton, but it will be difficult.
