Winner this year of Milan-Sanremo, Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) will especially have to be wary of Tim Merlier, already winner of the black-yellow-red jersey twice (2019 and 2022), but never with his current team Soudal Quick-Step . Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek), very fit, is also a serious candidate. Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny) would also have been a big outsider but the Ardennes rider is not showing his best form.
The “National” remains a special race with some teams present in very large numbers and others barely represented. Tim Wellens, the new Belgian time trial champion, was to be the only representative of UAE Emirates but withdrew due to illness.
The route along the Flemish Ardennes does not present any great difficulty. The succession of small bumps and cobblestones could ultimately prove selective. The route could also prove tricky in the event of rain due to its numerous turns and changes of direction. An element which could also favor adventurers like Maxim Van Gils, Oliver Naesen or Wellens.
That leaves Wout van Aert. The 2021 Belgian champion is capable of defeating everyone in a sprint or winning alone. He has not won this season since February 25 and his success in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Recovered from his fall in Across Flanders, the Campinois will carry out his last rehearsal before the Tour de France. The peak of the season which will be on the minds of many runners as they set off from Hautem-Saint-Liévin (Sint-Lievens-Houtem) at 12:10 p.m.
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