The Ronde van Vlaanderen is the biggest race in Belgium and a true cycling classic that highlights the spectacular and often dramatic nature of professional cycling. The twisting route through the lanes of the Flemish countryside, the steep cobbled climbs that often decide the winner, and the millions of spectators along the route, makes every edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen race to remember. Climbs such as the Valkenberg and the Kapelmuur are temples for the Flemish cycling fans, with every place at the side of the road packed with people. Local hero Tom Boonen has won the last two editions of the race and will be racing for a rare treble in 2007. His biggest rivals could come from his own Quick Step team because Peter Van Petegem has already won the race in 1999 and 2003, and World Champion Paolo Bettini has named it his big objective of the season. Other favourites are Fabian Cancellara of Team CSC and young Italian Filippo Pozzato who rides for Liquigas in 2007. Whoever wins the six hour battle will join the exclusive list of winners that includes cycling legends such as Fiorenzo Magni, Brik Schotte, Eddy Merckx and Johan Museeuw.
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