Roubaix: another 2nd place is looming for Boonen ...

Cycling's Spring Classics continue this weekend with probably the most feared of them all: Paris-Roubaix. A 265km ride through the so-called Hell of the North, featuring nearly 60 km of ancient cobblestone paths. For the laymen, that is as tough as a major alpine stage in the Tour de France. Unfortunately, because the race has become so unique and is so specific, only a handful of riders can truly be considered as contenders to win the famous cobble trophy in the Roubaix Velodrome this afternoon. Indeed, lots of riders know they are not strong enough to win this one, and merely talk of "riding a top 10 result" or even just "finishing in the Velodrome". It is probably the closest professional cycling comes to amateur granfondo riding.

Because of their sheer dominance in the past few weeks, Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen are once again the two riders to mark. Both have won the race already, Boonen even three times including the past two editions. If the Belgian champion scores his fourth today, he will match the record of wins held by "Monsieur Paris-Roubaix" Roger de Vlaeminck. The latter is said to be cheering for Cancellara today ;-) All joking aside, Boonen probably also needs the victory for his morale and to set his sponsors' minds at ease. It is ironic that after his strongest spring campaign ever, he has had to settle for second places in all major events (Sanremo, Harelbeke, Flanders). In his final classic race last year, Paris-Tours, he also crossed the line second behind Philippe Gilbert. It is unfortunate but a fact that in modern day professional sports only winning counts.

Both Team Quickstep and Team Saxo Bank have dangerous lieutenants, who could take advantage of the rivalry between the two protagonists. Danish champ Matti Breschel will be very eager to erase the bad memory of the Tour of Flanders, when his mechanic messed up big time during a bike change towards the end of last week's race. Breschel could take off on his own today, or simply follow Boonen and Cancellara all the way to the Velodrome and beat them in the sprint (likely scenario!). Therefore, the task of former Flanders' winner Stijn Devolder is of pivotal importance. I hope for Boonen that his so-far disappointing teammate has found his legs back just on time!

Important outsiders are Thor Hushovd and Filippo Pozzato, but both are recovering from illnesses or other ailments and may not be in top shape. Juan Antonio Flecha, of course, cannot be excluded. The Spaniard was quite invisible last week, so he may be keen on a good showing. David Millar seems highly motivated to do a good job, and so is American champion George Hincapie in the twlight of his career. Hincapie has been trying for a decade to win this race, televised live in the US, but has always met stronger men on his path. It will also be interesting to see where Lars Boom and Steve Chainel end up, as well as veteran Leif Hoste - the sole captain in today's Omega Pharma-Lotto squad.

Finally, for the active riders among you readers: in 2010 the Roubaix velo club organises the Paris-Roubaix cyclosportive again on the first Sunday of June. Take out your aluminium training bike and experience this unique course - a must!

My pick: Matti Breschel
Podium: Tom Boonen; Fabian Cancellara
Dark horse: Stijn Devolder