Het Volk

I know that Het Volk was purchased by Het Nieuwsblad and the Omloop was renamed Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but I'll be honest Het Volk is easier for my Americanized tongue.  Plus, Het Volk just sounds cool.  Alright, let's get down to it.  Nieuwsblad is the first of the Flanders Classics, and wait for it.... IT IS THIS WEEKEND!!! Feb. 26th. Try Cyclingfans.com for where and when to watch.

This is the first crack at a Classic that all the major players have this season.  Flecha took it last year and is on the start list for Sky this year flanked by Kurt-Asle Arvesen, who is a workhorse that could win it on his own.  Edvald Boasson Hagen will also be there for Flecha or as a co-captain. 

Here is a list of guys to watch, pay no attention to their country of origin.  Well I'm being a little slanted toward the home country, but this race has been won by a Belgian 53 times since its inception in 1945.  So, I'm playing the odds.  The next most wins:  Italy/Netherlands with 3.  You do the math.

Thor Hushovd (Garmin) *won it in 2009
Johan Van Summeren (Garmin)
Stijn Devolder (Vacansoleil)
Bjorn Leukemans (Vacansoleil)
Tom Boonen (QuickStep) *never won this one
Sylvain Chavanel (QuickStep)
Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma) *won twice, only three riders have won it 3 times
Bernhard Eisel (HTC)
Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) *won it in 2007
Leif Hoste (Katusha)
Lars Boom (Rababonk)
Maarten Wynants (Rababonk)

I think Gilbert might be eyeing that number 3.  Tom needs to add this to the list, but says it is not a priority.  There are a lot of riders with (Bel) listed on the start list, and I know they will be hungry for a win in front of their countrymen.  Win a race like this in Belgium, and they write drinking songs about you that children will sing at school, and this is not one of the "big" ones.