Greig Leach

The combination of a large peloton and very narrow roads made for a very long line indeed. As the riders approached each of the 17 cobbled bergs of E3 Harelbeke, the pace would be lifted by the domestiques to get their men into the best possible position before the narrow ascents the define racing in Flanders. For those at the back like Marc Sarreau and William Bonnet of FDJ, it can look like a long, long way to the business end of the race. The wide open flat farm lands can also provide few places to hide from the winds of March.