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by Alicia Hopkins
95th Edition -Wednesday, April 18, 2007- Start Time:
11:30CEDT - 200km
The Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen is traditionally considered a
sprinters race, as the course is generally flat with a large circuit of 149
kilometers that takes the riders into the countryside surrounding Antwerp, and
concludes with three finishing circuits of 16 kilometers each in the finale at
Schoten. The parcours is not without drama; however, as there are seven tough
cobbled sections varying in length from 1300 to 3000 meters. The Scheldeprijs
Vlaanderen has an illustrious palmares with the likes of Eddie Merckx (1972),
Rik Van Looy (1956,1957), and Mario Cipollini (1991, 1993) to name only a few.
Belgian Piet Oellibrandt holds the record for the most victories which occurred
in 1960, 1962, and 1963.
Former World Road Race Champion Tom Boonen takes the 2006 Victory
Previous Winners:
Course Map © Official Race Website
Riders start the 2006 Scheldeprjs Vlaanderen
© Official Race Website
Riders
This year's edition of the
Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen will again look to Quickstep with its' Captain Tom
Boonen and his strong leadout man Gert Steegmans to show themselves, as well
Leif Hoste and Robbie Mcewen from the Predictor Lotto squad. T-Mobile will also
play a role in the final sprint with Bernhard Eisel and Gregory Henderson.
Milram brings three strong men to the race with veteran and former winner Erik
Zabel, Alberto Ongarato, and Mirco Lorenzetto. Liquigas brings most of it's
Paris-Roubaix squad to the Scheldeprijs including fan favorite Magnus Backstedt
and hardened veteran Roberto Petito. Rabobank will rely on Graeme Brown, Max Van
Heeswijk, Leon Van Bon, and Gerben Löwik to try to bring home the victory.
Chocolade-Jacques' Nico Eeckhout, Barloworld's Robbie Hunter, DFL-Cyclingnews'
Nico Mattan, and Skil-Shimano's Kenny Van Hummel are also to be included among
the favorites.
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