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The so-called Vlaamse Wielerweek, literally the “Flanders cycling week”, includes some of the races most appreciated by cycling fans around the world, as tradition and the cobbled climbs make them spectacular races. The second monument of the year, the Ronde van Vlaanderen, is the culmination of the whole week and, since it is undoubtedly the most prestigious of these races, it will receive its own article in Cycling Fantasy. In this preview we will focus on the races that take us to La Ronde.

Oxyclean Classic Brugge de Panne

The old three days of La Panne'has morphed into a one-day classic in recent years. Of all these races, it is the one that presents a more affordable route, without cobblestone climbs, although many kilometers travel exposed to the wind and this is usually the protagonist. The startlist is a mix of classics riders and sprinters, being the only one of these classics where fast men are favorites.

Women favorites: Lorena Wiebes (1200), Lotte Kopecky (800), Jolien D'Hoore (800), Amy Pieters (1000), Marta Bastianelli (1000), Alice Barnes (600), Lisa Klein (800), Chloe Hosking ( 800), Lisa Brennauer (1000), Elisa Balsamo (800), Sarah Roy (800).

Men favorites: Sam Bennet (1200), Mads Pedersen (600), Kristoffer Halvorsen (400), Marc Sarreau (400), Sonny Colbrelli (600), Pascal Ackermann (1200), Cees Bol (600), Giacomo Nizzolo (600), Fernando Gaviria (800), Jasper Philipsen (1000), Bryan Coquard (400).

E3 Saxo Bank Classic

It will be the first real test for the true specialists of the pavés, with up to ten cobbled sectors and numerous climbs. In the last 50 kilometers of the race the cyclists will visit the Paterberg and the Oude Kwaremont as most famous sectors. The last climb is crested 19 kilometers from home.

Favorites: Mathieu Van Der Poel (600), Wout Van Aert (1000), Zdeněk Štybar (600), Yves Lampaert (600), Davide Ballerini (600), Philippe Gilbert (600), Greg Van Avermaet (800), Oliver Naesen (600), Nils Politt (400), Sep Vanmarcke (400), Tiesj Benoot (600), Mads Pedersen (600), Jasper Stuyven (600), Alberto Bettiol (400), Stefan Küng (600), Matteo Trentin (800 ), Alexander Kristoff (600).

Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields

This edition includes only 6 paved sections, and both the men's and women's events crown the last (Kemmelberg) with 35 kilometers to go. Some sprinters who pass well the climbs can come back afterwards if they haven't lost much. It is the second most prestigious event of the week after the Ronde van Vlaanderen.

Women favorites: Marianne Vos (1200), Katarzyna Niewiadoma (1000), Lorena Wiebes (1200), Lotte Kopecky (800), Jolien D'Hoore (800), Amy Pieters (1,000), Marta Bastianelli (1000), Alice Barnes ( 600), Lisa Klein (800), Lisa Brennauer (1000), Kristen Wild (600), Grace Brown (400).

Men favorites: Wout Van Aert (1000), Zdeněk Štybar (600), Yves Lampaert (600), Davide Ballerini (600), Philippe Gilbert (600), Greg Van Avermaet (800), Oliver Naesen (600), Nils Politt (400), Sep Vanmarcke (400), Tiesj Benoot (600), Mads Pedersen (600), Jasper Stuyven (600), Alberto Bettiol (400), Stefan Küng (600), Matteo Trentin (800), Alexander Kristoff (600), Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen (1000).

Dwars door Vlaanderen - A travers la Flandre

The last trial by fire before the Ronde. 182 kilometers make it the shortest of these races, but it concentrates the climbs and the cobblestones sectors in the final kilometers of the race, guaranteeing the spectacle.

Favorites: Julian Alaphilippe (1200), Zdeněk Štybar (600), Yves Lampaert (600), Greg Van Avermaet (800), Oliver Naesen (600), Nils Politt (400), Sep Vanmarcke (400), Tiesj Benoot (600) , Mads Pedersen (600), Jasper Stuyven (600), Alberto Bettiol (400), Stefan Küng (600), Matteo Trentin (800), Alexander Kristoff (600), Tim Merlier (400), Jasper Philipsen (1000).