Tom Boonen will have the support of a very strong Quick Step Floors line-up at E3 Harelbeke (1.UWT) today as he goes in search of a record sixth win in the race.
Starting and finishing in Harelbeke, the 206.1-kilometre-long event will take the peloton over a course very similar to next week’s Ronde van Vlaanderen, the season’s second Monument. This means the riders will face narrow roads and challenging pavé sectors, as well as the famed climbs of the Taaienberg, Eikenberg, Oude Kwaremont or Paterberg – all coming thick and fast – which will shatter the bunch and incite attacks, thus ensuring the race will be an intense and dynamic one in its second part.
Amongst the other favourites for the win today in a star-studded line-up are UCI World Road Race champion Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe), Greg van Avermaet (BMC Racing), Tiesj Benoot (Lotto-Soudal), Sep Vanmarcke (Cannondale-Drapac Pro Cycling Team) and John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo).
Boonen, who in 2012 sprinted to victory taking his fifth crown at E3 Harelbeke surpassing Rik Van Looy on the all-time winners list, will make his 13th and final appearance at the Belgian classic. He also won the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 editions of the race.
Fellow countryman and Belgian Champion Philippe Gilbert is set to continue his outing on the cobbles this season, following his second place in Wednesday’s Dwars door Vlaanderen, a race in which he was instrumental in Yves Lampaert’s success.
Zdenek Stybar, Niki Terpstra and Matteo Trentin – all former podium finishers at E3 Harelbeke – will give the team as many options once things heat up and attacks start coming in, while Jack Bauer, Iljo Keisse and local favourite Julien Vermote are sure to add considerable firepower to the team.
