Brussels Cycling Classic

Brussels Cycling Classic

If it is on Velogames, it means that it matters! The 18th leg of the Super-classico is actually an interesting race. After Remco's win last year, the course has changed slightly this time. 

Stage Overview

The riders will face a total of 10 climbs along 203 km. The climbing starts after 50 km with the Rue du Croiseau. The last 100 km is exciting and packed with a double circuit, including three climbs: Muur-Bosberg duo followed by the Congoberg. 

The last climb is the Heiligekruiswegstraat at 13 km from the finish line. 

Last year Remco took the win following a solo effort with Aime De Gendt and Tosh Van der Sande completing the podium. 

The Contenders

    Initially on the start list, Biniam Girmay was the big favorite everyone was looking up to. Unfortunately he will not be taking place in this classic stage this year.  

    Quick Step Alpha Vinyl came in with Davide Ballerini but they will have to face their brilliant Belgian rival Intermarché Wanty Gobert.

    Aime De Gendt and Adrien Petit are very comfortable in these terrain, whereby De Gendt finished second last year and Adrien Petit has done well in Paris-Roubaix. Taco Van Der Hoorn also did well with a 16th place.

  Alexander Kristoff has been growing stronger and stronger this season culminating the sprint. The biggest threat is Quinten Hermans who finished second in Liege-Bastogne-Liege behind Remco Evenepoel. 

   Ineos Grenadiers is another team who came with the big gun. Young stars Magnus Sheffield and Ben Turner who try turn the race upside down. Narvaez would also easily join any small group that tries to break-away. However, if no breakaway groups are formed, Elia Viviani will sprint for the win. 

    Tim Wellens will certainly have a go and stretch the race. While Bora-Hansgrohe will rely on Danny Van Poppel, Hugo Hofstetter, Giacomo Nizzolo, Pascal Ackermann and Tim Merlier are among the other contenders. 

    Micheal Matthews, Kaden Groves and Sam Bennett are two notable recent addition. While the profile definitely suits him and he has a good start to the season, Matthews has not been riding since his 7th place at De Brabantse Pijl. He did not finish at Liege Bastogne Liege. While he possess an astounding finishas witnessed in Turkey, it is hard to see Bike Exchange bank all of their chances with a sprint finish with Kaden Groves. After a lot of fine tuning, Sam Bennett took a win in Frankfurt. If they have a man at the front end after the last climb, Bora will be the team chasing in the last 10km.

My Predictions

★ ★ ☆ ☆☆ : Ben Turner – He could try to blow the race up like in De Brabantse Pijl with his power and go for a solo.

★ ☆☆ ☆☆ : Quinten Hermans – He climbs well and packs a good sprint. 

★ ☆☆ ☆☆ : Davide Ballerini – He had a good iro in the leg and will be at the front of race. 

★ ☆☆ ☆☆ : Alexander Kristoff – He is perfectly placed to win from a sprint or even accompany a break-away group.