Tom Boonen was among the riders who took to the Belgian cobbles this week as a reconnaissance ahead of Sunday's 100th edition of the Tour of Flanders.
The Etixx-Quick Step rider was joined by Niki Terpstra, among others, who finished second to Alexander Kristoff in 2015 and is another of his team's options for victory in the Ronde.
Also out on the course were LottoNL-Jumbo, who will be working hard to lead Sep Vanmarcke to his first major Classics victory after a strong performance at Ghent-Wevelgem.
Kristoff, Peter Sagan, Fabian Cancellara and Greg Van Avermaet are also among the favourites for the 255km race, which runs from Bruges to Oudenaade.
Tom Boonen and the Etixx-Quick Step team hit the Flanders cobbles on Wednesday ahead of the Ronde on Sunday
(Image credit: Watson)
Etixx-Quick Step hit the cobbles
Tom Boonen and the Etixx-Quick Step team hit the Flanders cobbles on Wednesday ahead of the Ronde on Sunday
The three-time winner was joined by Niki Terpstra, who was second to Alexander Kristoff in last year's race
(Image credit: Watson)
Tom Boonen and Niki Terpstra
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The three-time winner was joined by Niki Terpstra, who was second to Alexander Kristoff in last year's race
Tom Boonen training for the 2016 Tour of Flanders
(Image credit: Watson)
Tom Boonen
Tom Boonen training for the 2016 Tour of Flanders
LottoNL-Jumbo found themselves blocked by a lorry delivering safety barriers along the route
(Image credit: Watson)
LottoNL-Jumbo come across a road block
LottoNL-Jumbo found themselves blocked by a lorry delivering safety barriers along the route
LottoNL-Jumbo found themselves blocked by a lorry delivering safety barriers along the route
(Image credit: Watson)
LottoNL-Jumbo come across a road block
LottoNL-Jumbo found themselves blocked by a lorry delivering safety barriers along the route
After hopping off their bikes and through the mud at the side of the truck, the LottoNL-Jumbo riders were able to carry on with their ride
(Image credit: Watson)
Robert Wagner gets past the lorry on the course
After hopping off their bikes and through the mud at the side of the truck, the LottoNL-Jumbo riders were able to carry on with their ride
Cannondale were out on the course as well, performing a last minute reconnaissance
(Image credit: Watson)
Cannondale hit the course
Cannondale were out on the course as well, performing a last minute reconnaissance
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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
