The classics season is now under way. The ‘Dwars door Vlaanderen’ took place yesterday with Matti Breschel riding away from a group including Boonen to take 1st place – what a ride!

This gives Saxo Bank a boost going into the weekend with him, Fabian Cancellara and Stuart O’Grady sure to go well on Sunday.

But who are our 3 picks for the Gent-Wevelgem???

Fabian Cancellara

Strong as ever and with what seems like a brilliant team around him, if he can handle the climbs he’s a descender of outrageous class and must be a sure fire favourite.

Tom Boonen

Another favourite who loves this kind of race and he’s hopefully put all of the off season activities behind him and has the hunger back. He’s won before, so his pedigree can’t be questioned. Who will stop him again this year?!

Heinrich Haussler

Now that his knee injury is sorted he should go well. Narrowly beaten by Cavendish in last years Milan-San Remo he’s talented enough to take the win and will want to set his stall out for the season by claiming this race as his own.

The route on Sunday is tricky and features 16 climbs all very close to each other – the eventual winner will need fresh legs, a good team and a bit of luck. We’ll be taking up our positions on the sofa to watch how the race unfolds and will have a report early next week.