Fabian Cancellara lines up in his last ever race on Belgian soil today at Gullegem Koerse, a 171-kilometre race in Gullegem in West Flanders.
To mark the occasion, Kwaremont Bier have placed a very small sector of ‘pavé’ on the course. The printed cobbles mark the affinity which the Swiss rider has with cobbled races.
Amongst the victories which Cancellara has taken during his career are three victories in Paris–Roubaix (2006, 2010, 2013), three in the Tour of Flanders (2010, 2013, 2014) and also three in E3 Harelbeke (2010, 2011, 2013).
One of the riders lining up against Cancellara today is his old adversary Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quick Step).
Cancellara announced last year that he would retire at the end of this season and despite not winning any monuments, he has taken a number of victories in his final season, including a record third Strade Bianche, and stages of Volta ao Algarve and Tirreno–Adriatico.
Classic!