And by we I mean keep your eyes open for some Airport Ninjas that are headed to the classics with Pro-tour teams and some of your favorite cycling websites. Be sure to share your travels with us on Instagram @Orucase.
The first cobbled classic is E3-Harelbeke this Friday March 24th. Nicknamed ‘The Little Tour of Flanders’, I think the question on everybody's mind is whether Sagan will finish 1st or 2nd this season at every classic.
Coming just a week before the Tour of Flanders, E3 is viewed as a great tune up as it features many of the same roads and climbs as its big brother. Steep climbs, narrow twisty roads, and wind make it a quintessential Flandrian race. Doing well here will put you on the list of favorites for the the Tour of Flanders.
The race is generally a touch over 200km, starting and finishing in Harelbeke. 10-20 short, cobbled climbs are spattered throughout the last 90km, and due to the shambolic nature of the roads local knowledge and experience riding them can make all the difference.
The Paterburg is one of the hardest climbs to grace E3. 400 meters in length, with an average gradient of 12.5% and topping out at 20% make it a decisive moment for both E3 and Tour of Flanders. Now a protected monument, the road was unpaved until 1986 when a local farmer placed the cobblestones because he wanted the Tour of Flanders to pass by his house!
Oude Kwaremont is the other definitive berg en route. 2.2 kilometers long averages only 4.2%, but maxes out at 11% on a particularly narrow and uneven cobble section.
First Edition: First held in 1958 it is one of youngest one day classics.
Fastest Edition: Dutchman Steven de Jong, won at an average speed of 45.9 km/h in 2003.
Most Wins: Tom ‘TommekeTommekeTommeke’ Boonen won 5 editions, with 4 in a row! 2004, 2005, 2006 2007, and 2012.
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