Johan Museeuw has told Sporza of his expectations for today’s E3 Prijs Vlaanderen. “There will be an elite group at the finish.”
With five-time winner Tom Boonen missing, the pressure from Belgian fans lies with Sep Vanmarcke and Greg Van Avermaet. “The course is tailored to them,” said Museeuw, who twice won the E3.
“Vanmarcke and Van Avermaet last year showed that they approached Boonen’s level. But they are not winners yet. They’re the Belgians who will challenge in the Tour of Flanders and E3 is always the barometer for that race.”
Sep Vanmarcke has already impressed in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad already. Can he improve? “He does not have to be better,” said Museeuw. “He and Van Avermaet rode a good Strade Bianche and that indicates a super condition.”
Regarding the absence of Boonen, Museeuw says, “Etixx-Quick Step will no longer control the race and they could try anything.”
