Who the bookmakers are backing for Tour of Flanders 2019
Will it be a reigning star or a young prodigy? This is what the bookies think
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One of the biggest dates of the cycling season is just a few days away, and the excitement is mounting.
The Tour of Flanders is for many the highlight of the racing calendar with speculation about form and potential always rife in the days before.
With former winners Peter Sagan, Philippe Gilbert and Niki Terpstra racing, along with those desperate to take victory in the Monument like Greg Van Avermaet, it’s set to be an electric battle.
>>> The Koppenberg and the defining cobbles, bergs and climbs of the Belgian Classics
But who are the bookies backing for glory?
Well, the odds appear to be in favour of arguably this year’s strongest Classics rider, Zdenek Štybar (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) at 13/2.
In a rare break from tradition, the bookmakers have relegated former winner Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) to second spot with odds of 8/1.
Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Team), who will be looking to add Flanders to his 2017 Paris-Roubaix win, is next in line according to the bookies with a 15/2 chance.
Relative newcomer Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) is a particularly hot pick at 8/1, while Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon-Circus) is tipped at 11/1 on only his first attempt at Flanders.
Bob Jungels (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) has amazed everyone, including the bookies, during his first concerted Classics campaign and sits at 12/1.
Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale), having the season of his career so far, is 16/1 despite his form being doubtful due to bronchitis.
Reigning champion Niki Terpstra is only 25/1 having moved to Direct Energie from Quick-Step, while his former team-mate Philippe Gilbert is at 20/1.
>>> How much prize money will the Tour of Flanders winner get?
Those looking for a strong outside bet could consider Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) after his Ghent-Wevelgem win, who is now 33/1, or even Luke Rowe (Team Sky) at 28/1.
Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) is 33/1 as he rides his first Flanders at the age of 38.
Tour of Flanders 2019 odds (Winner – Oddschecker)
Zdenek Štybar (Cze) Deceuninck – Quick-Step 13/2
Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-Hansgrohe 8/1
Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) CCC Team 15/1
Wout van Aert (Bel) Jumbo Visma 8/1
Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Corendon-Circus 11/1
Bob Jungels (Lux) Deceuninck – Quick-Step 12/1
Oliver Naesen (Bel) Ag2r La Mondiale 16/1
Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Deceuninck – Quick-Step 20/1
Niki Terpstra (Ned) Direct Energie 25/1
Yves Lampaert (Bel) Deceuninck – Quick-Step 25/1
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Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
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