By Karen Lambrecht

VDB at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2004. Photo by Delphine Page, Cycling-Photos.net

How is it with your motivation?

That’s like last year, but my condition is better, I’m feeling better. I can count on my team, they will work for me. The support from Ferreti is also very important.

To Giancarlo Ferreti: What are the tactics for the Tour of Flanders?

Vandenbroucke has the knowledge of this race and his condition is so good. The team will work for him. On Filippo Pozzato: he wants to do well, he’s at the beginning of his career. Details about the tactics aren’t possible at this moment, these can change during the race.

How do you want the race to develop?

I want to have as many teammates as possible on the foot of the ‘Muur van Geraardsbergen’. Then we will see about the rest.

Do you have any advice for Filippo Pozzato?

You have to be in the first rows of the peloton, so you can see everything, you see who attacks. And don’t waste your energy.

What did you learn about your opponents in the 3 Days of De Panne-Koksijde?

I didn’t see anything in that race. You don’t win the Tour of Flanders in De Panne, but you can lose it there.

Who are the favourites for you?

Always the same names, you want some? Rabobank has a strong team with Dekker and Boogerd, Lotto-Domo with Van Petegem, Quickstep-Davitamon has a few candidates, also Hincapie. Also Bartoli, but I haven’t seen him.

What’s the difference between last year and this year?

I have more possibilities to win, more chances and I'm in better condition.

You don’t say it, but aren’t you the top favourite?

I’m in top condition. In the past months I wasn’t sick, I haven't fallen, I have people around me who trust me.

Why didn’t you start the last day in De Panne?

I didn’t need it anymore. I trained 2 hours on my own. I’m with the Tour of Flanders in my head; the race of my dreams! Twice I have tasted the win. [In 1999 and 2003 Vandenbroucke was second, both times behind Van Petegem.]

In Milan-Sanremo you couldn’t attack (orders of the team). Can you make the race on Sunday?

No, I won’t make the race. I will choose my moment. I should avoid a sprint with Van Petegem or Museeuw, otherwise I lose. But…the Bosberg is only 12 kilometres from the finish. (smiles)