Julian Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreen will lead our team at the second Monument of the season.
One of the most prestigious and sought after races in the world, first raced in 1913 and an event that has always produced heroes on the road and created unforgettable stories, Ronde van Vlaanderen runs its 108th edition this Sunday, over a hard course favouring long-range attacks.
Starting in Antwerp and finishing in Oudenaarde after more than 270 kilometers, Ronde van Vlaanderen will take in a total of 17 climbs and seven cobblestone sectors. The Monument comes with some changes, such as the addition of major roads and a different approach to the infernal Koppenberg, the steepest hill on the course, but the focal point of the route promises to be once again the Oude Kwaremont – Paterberg combo, which the riders will tackle twice in the final 75 kilometers.
From the last climb only 13 kilometers remain, making a regrouping possible, but only in case of a headwind or a large and organised chasing group. Otherwise, the rider or riders who will carry a small gap over the top have all the chances of going all the way to the line.
Of all of cycling’s five Monuments, Flanders is the one that has witnessed the most Wolfpack wins, our team triumphing there on eight occasions. Most recent of these successes came in 2021, when at the end of an incredible race, Kasper Asgreen prevailed in a two-man sprint. The powerful Dane will be again at the start, together with a strong and incredibly determined Soudal Quick-Step squad that is set to feature also Julian Alaphilippe – who played an important role in the victory of three years ago – Yves Lampaert, two-time Belgian Champion Tim Merlier, Gianni Moscon, Casper Pedersen, and Bert Van Lerberghe.
“De Ronde is a race that never lies, a race where only the strong riders have prevailed. We have a good team for Sunday, featuring a Flanders winner, and we are going to the start with a lot of confidence. It’s true that we have suffered a bit in the previous races, but things can change quite quickly and we hope for a strong race”, said sports director Tom Steels.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
