Ronde van Vlaanderen (BEL) - 06.04.2008

The Tour of Flanders was voted the best UCI ProTour race in 2007, and the 2008 edition will surely be another great day of racing that highlights the spectacular but often dramatic nature of professional cycling.

The twisting route through the lanes of the Flemish countryside, the steep cobbled climbs and the millions of spectators along the route, makes every edition of the Tour of Flanders something special.

Last year, Italy’s Alessandro Ballan stunned the loyal Belgian cycling supporters by attacking alone on the Grammont climb. He then went on to beat local hero Leif Hoste in the sprint to the line, forcing Hoste to accept second place for the second consecutive year.

In 2008, Ballan has promised a second win but national Belgian hero Tom Boonen has made it clear he will be back to his best on April 6. Boonen won in 2005 and 2006 but slipped out of contention in 2007 as Ballan attacked.

Boonen’s Quick Step team will again be the team to beat because World Champion Paolo Bettini and Gert Steegmans also have the ability to win. Their rivals include the Italian Liquigas team, who have Filippo Pozzato and Daniele Bennati, while CSC is also expected to challenge with Paris-Tours winner Stuart O’Grady and Fabian Cancellara. The winner is likely to be crowned by the King of Belgium and perhaps also pull on the special white jersey as new leader of the UCI ProTour.