Ronde van Vlaanderen

After a Flemish campaign turned into a true rollercoaster for the Movistar Team, with tough days combined with moments of enormous brilliance, the Telefónica-backed squad comes into the 107th edition of the ‘Vlaanderens Mooiste’ with the excitement of knowing that, should circumstances come their way, something great is awaiting them at Oudenaarde’s finish.

The 2023 race sees a traditional, recognisable start returning, with the Grote Markt in Bruges taking turns with Antwerpen in the future. From there, a long flat section will take the riders (and the usual, early break) into the classic, tough loops that define the second Monument classic of the spring season.

Which are the key points? You could say there are five: the first ascent to the Oude Kwaremont (136km), quickly followed by the Kortekeer, which always strings things out, and the Holleweg cobbles; the Molenberg (171km), which will surely create an early selection; the first combination of Oude Kwaremont (218km) with the brutal Paterberg; the 20% slopes of the Koppenberg (228km), really close to the intricate Taaienberg (236km); and the final OK/P, crested with just 11km to go.