Ones to watch
Most likely to win a large sprint LORENA WIEBES | 22 | DSM
She might have only just turned 22, but Lorena Wiebes already looks like the long-term successor to Dutch compatriot Kirsten Wild as the fastest sprinter in the peloton. On top of that, she’s much more than just a pure sprinter – she can acquit herself over the cobbles, too, as proven by second place at Ghentwevelgem on her debut in 2019, and victory at Omloop van het Hageland last year.
Most likely to ride everyone off her wheel MARLEN REUSSER | 29 | ALE BTC LJUBLJANA
A late bloomer, having only signed for a professional team in 2019, the stage is set for Marlen Reusser to have a breakthrough season this year. The Swiss rider has at her disposal an imposing diesel engine, which she used to win time trial silver at the Worlds in Imola last year as well as gold at the European Championships the year before, and looks very well-suited to the cobbled Classics – and Paris-roubaix in particular.
Most likely to win from a small group sprint DAVIDE BALLERINI | 26 DECEUNINCK-QUICK STEP
Deceuninck-quick Step remain the strongest team for the Classics, and this year they’ve got a new joker in the pack in the form of 26-year-old Davide Ballerini. The Italian has a trick up his sleeve that no one else in the team’s Classics line-up has – a world-class sprint finish, which he used to great effect to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last month, a result that confirms his status as a top new Classics contender.
Most likely to break clear on the climbs TOM PIDCOCK | 21 | INEOS GRENADIERS
Even in this era of burgeoning young talent, Tom Pidcock stands out as something special. Looking at his lightweight frame, you wouldn’t think he’d be a contender, but the Yorkshireman’s multidimensional potential includes being able to handle himself on the cobbles, as proven by his Paris-roubaix victories at both junior and under-23 levels. Look out for him using his punchy kick to launch attacks over the many steep bergs that characterise the Flemish races.
Most likely to launch long-range attacks SOREN KRAGH ANDERSEN | 26 | DSM
Could this be the year Søren Kragh Andersen makes a breakthrough as an elite Classics rider? He enjoyed his best season to date in 2020 with two stage wins at the Tour, but is yet to shine on the cobbles. With his powerful rouleur’s engine, he should have everything it takes to succeed in Flanders too.