Ze Cobbles

Over the next two weeks the cobbled classics are the talk of the peloton. A mix of World Tour and …races the classification of these races is to a point arbitrary. The two big ones are Flanders and Roubaix but before these Easter treats are several important semi-classics which let the peloton know who is on form and looking dangerous. Milan-San Remo was a cold, snowy sleety affair and weather has already led to the shortening of Ghent-Wevelgem. A wet and muddy Roubaix could just be on the cards if the big freeze continues. With the adverse conditions some of the known stars such as Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen may just test the legs before really going for it at the monuments. Last year the Swiss maestro crashed out of Flanders and the battle-royale didn’t eventuate between the two stars. With Boonen working his way into form since an elbow infection earlier in the year, Cancellara is looking the best bet at the moment. Alongside these two Peter Sagan is threatening while Sylvain Chavanel is showing that he is more than capable of stepping if Boonen isn’t feeling it on the day.

With the atmosphere building and riders having been in training since December or so, the two weeks will be make or break for many of the riders. Team Sky are one team who having shown their GC dominance are now keen for an assault on the cobbles. Ian Stannard showed his form and strength at San Remo with a fifth placing and Matt Hayman podiumed at Dwars door Vlaanderen in the last week. Geraint Thomas continues his transition to a road classics rider since his Olympic success and could just have a breakthrough win this year. Sky also have Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen up their sleeve as well as tough man Bernie Eisel who can win a race on his own right as well as bossing the peloton.

BMC are in a similar position to Sky with a squad full of potential winners. Thor Hushovd is a Roubaix man who has come close but is yet to stand atop the podium. His teammate Taylor Phinney won the Paris-Roubaix Espoir twice and his sixth at San Remo was a sign of his continuing development as a pro. Daniel Oss moved across to BMC over the off-season and already has one podium at his new team. He will be riding in support of Hushovd but he is very handy card that BMC can play. A third rider is Greg Van Averment who would almost certainly be classics star on his own right at any other team but with world champion Philippe Gilbert also in the squad, this is more a collection of individuals than a team. A three-peat on the podium could be possible at Flanders but BMC need a big win after the aggressive pursuit of its stars.