Sunday is the time for the Mother of all races: the Tour of Flanders. The Flemish are obviously a bit glum due to the loss of Wout van Aert, but will once again be numerous along the most famous slopes and cobbled sections during the High Mass of Flemish cycling. Our house photographer Sirotti was on hand Thursday during the reconnaissance of several teams.
We took up position on the Koppenberg, the mythical 550-meter cobblestone hill with an average gradient of 11 percent. Some sections reach up to 22 percent, compelling several riders to abandon the race.
Good thing we can once again admire Alexander Kristoff on the Flemish roads. The Norwegian bear and former winner of the Ronde was absent from Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday due to illness.
Stefan Küng tests his legs once on the Koppenberg. In the background, we see a cycling tourist, struggling with the steep gradient.
Matteo Trentin accelerates on the Koppenberg, with Tudor teammate Marius Mayrhofer following closely.
Adrien Petit and Hugo Page are taking it easy on behalf of Intermarché-Wanty.
The foot of the Koppenberg, a place every racer doesn't really look forward to.
This brave cyclist tries to tame the "hump of Melden," but will also later dismount.
Elisa Longo Borghini, an elderly Italian, is part of the strong Lidl-Trek team. In the background, her teammates are already struggling.
Astana Qazaqstan also came darting across the cobblestones in the sun. In the background, one of the men from the Kazakh squad pulls away again.
Valentin Madouas is one of many dark horses for Sunday.