E3 Harelbeke (spoilers likely...)

TheBlaaMan

E3 is on today. A sneaky Friday race that doesnt get the publicity of the premium Belgian classics, but can produce a great competition nonetheless.

It is due to finish around 4pm, but Eurosport look to be showing it on a delayed feed from 4;30 to 7pm, so that may suit if you get off work a bit early

There should be live feeds on various less-than-legitimate sites from around 2:30.

This is a race that goes up iconic helligen such as the Patersberg, Oude Kwaremont and Taaienberg that will feature in the Tour of Flanders in just over a week's time and is a sort of "mini-Ronde before the main event". The hills are heavily lumped into the second half of the race, but there is a 15+km run in to the finish so it has the potential to end in a reduced sprint........not that that normally happens. It has produced some great racing in recent years, with Cancellara, Sagan, Geraint Thomas and Kwiatkowski all being recent winners. Sagan is racing again, but none of the others are and it will be difficult for him not to try to win it, but.....





Ryan Mullen's Belgian experience continues today. There will be lots of potential winners, and QuickStep have a very strong team starting but for me.... Tony Martin to pop off a select group 10k out and solo for the win



Oh, and Gent-Wevelgem is on Sunday...

Somedude9

There was a great sneaky race Wednesday as well.

neris

eurosport are showing volta catalunya and then E3 after. How can they not show the 2 at the same time? they have no problem showing numerous tennis matches on multiple streams on the site but when it comes to cycling they show one race and thats it

TheBlaaMan

Free frites and mayo from a sponsor at the start today apparently. Oh and beer, lots of early morning beer - well it a bike racing day is Belgium .....:)

Meanwhile:

Greg Van Avermaet looks at a Trek-Segafredo rider's bike and says "It looks like sh1t" (Patrick Fletcher)