Flandrian Nightmare

During the buildup to Vlaanderen's Mooiste this Sunday, a reoccurring vision keeps popping into my head during lulls at work or as I lay in bed on the cusp of sleep.  And it's a vision I hate.

I am transported back to the Muur van Geraardsbergen in the 2010 edition of De Ronde.  The scene opens with Fabian Cancellara and Tom Boonen side by side, gladiators ascending the famous cobbles of the Muur.  Out of nowhere, the Swiss Champion effortlessly cranks the pace and storms his way up the hellish stones.  The Belgian Champion lurches out of the saddle to give chase, but is unable to respond and violently wrestles his machine to the top of the hill.  It is too late.  15 kilometers remain before the finish, but Fabian has a gap.  It's over.  My nightmare.

After several "off" years, these two titans meet again, healthy and hungrier than ever, and many fans are looking forward to a battle similar to 4 years ago.  That being said, the duel could easily be thwarted by the likes of Sagan, Terpstra, Vanmarcke, and host of other riders.

Personally, I hope the race plays out like 2010, but with roles reversed.   Tommeke puts the hammer down and drops Fabs on the Paterberg, solos to the line, and wins a record breaking fourth Ronde.

 Ooh la la  la la