BRUGES (Belgium), April 2, 2010 (AFP) – Cycling returns to its deepest roots on Sunday in the Tour of Flanders, and two stars of the pro peloton, Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen of Belgium, are looking to stand on the top step.

From the Grand-Place of Bruges, one of the architectural wonders of Flemish art, liturgy begins with 25 teams represented. On the arrival in Meerbeke in the remote western suburbs of Brussels, only one, the hero of the day is crowned at the end of 261.5 km.

Boonen has already had two wins at Flanders (2005, 2006) added to his resume. And in case he wins again on Sunday, the most beloved Belgian rider would become the fifth rider in Flanders history to hold the record for the most victories in the prestigious Ronde van Vlaanderen, the Flemish name of the event.

Cancellara, who has never managed the big day on the mountains of the Flandriens. But a year after his dramatic withdraw because of a poor form, the Olympic champion against the clock comes with all ever growing ambitions.

His victory last Saturday in the GP E3, a model race for the Tour of Flanders. When “Spartacus” displays such a force, he became the man to beat in the spring classics. Especially when it is backed by Saxo Bank, who also has Australian Stuart O’Grady and especially hope Danish Matti Breschel, the winner last week of a semi-classical (Through Flanders).

The team Boonen (Quick Step) has brings several advantages as well. Sylvain Chavanel, who helped the French leader in the Milan-Sanremo, promises to bring even more than last year. The Belgian Stijn Devolder proved he was more than a lieutenant, a true leader who has jumped on capture every opportunity to win in both 2008 and 2009. For Boonen, competition also comes from the inside with his compatriot.

There remains in any number of potential winners, starting with the Spaniard Juan Antonio Flecha, the strongest in the Circuit Het Nieuwsblad in late February and leader in the absence of Sky Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen. From Omega Pharma you Gilbert, Hoste, from BMC you have Ballan and Hincapie, and the teams of Rabobank and Liquigas.

In the view of Boonen, however minor edits made on the course even tougher race. The succession of hills Flandrian repeated passages on the pavement, pavement narrowings that require scrubbing without qualms, wear out bodies, contributing to a selection may be visible only in the penultimate obstacle, the famous wall Grammont, 15 kilometers from the finish.
On Easter Sunday, Lance Armstrong, who has featured American cleared of ambition and loss, will find food for thought. In Flanders, the pagan religion of cycling back to its true sources.