Belgian Tom Boonen who aims for a third victory Sunday in the Tour of Flanders after his success
2005 and 2006, said Wednesday night that Fabian Cancellara is “the man to beat.”

“Cancellara has this race as his goal. It was announced long ago. He is in excellent shape, has the experience and has a very strong team around him, especially with Matti Breschel who is a very smart rider” said Boonen during a press conference.

The Belgian champion also pointed to Spaniard Juan Antonio Flecha and Filippo Pozzato of Italy among the favorites, “even if Pippo… does not always make the best tactical choices,” he said.

Regarding the Belgian Philippe Gilbert, who Boonen also mentioned among candidates for a victory in Merelbeke, Boonen believes that his compatriot “is not in its best form” because it “is more about the Ardennes.

Tom Boonen considers that the course of the Tour of Flanders 2010 will be different from other years because the course has been modified: the mountains are closer to each other than previous years.”

“The big battle between the favorites should already start in the Old Kwaremont (82 km from the line), whereas in the past, mountains served mainly to make the selection,” predicted the leader of the Quick Step team.

This year, Boonen has decided not to run the Three Days of De Panne in preparation for the Round “to devote time to the recognition of the route, as amended, and especially at rest”.

“I’m fit, I did everything needed. I will start very relaxed,” he said.

Former world champion (2005) concluded by assuring that the weight of the race “will not rest on (his) team Quick Step, returning the pressure” on Saxo Bank (Cancellara) and Liquigas (Pozzato) which are very strong since the beginning of the year. ”