True to tradition, the Taaienberg played a crucial role in today’s E3-Harelbeke.

After the Taaienberg a front group was formed with riders like Boonen) Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard) and Roelandts (Lotto-Belisol). One favourite was absent, though: Peter Sagan (Cannondale). Cannondale instantly came to the head of the peloton and brought everything back together for Sagan.

When the riders regrouped, a new escape with all big names was formed immediately, and this time Sagan was also in it. On the Oude Kwaremont Cancellara too off and nobody would see the strong Swiss again. For Jürgen Roelandts the cobblestoned climb would prove fatal as he couldn’t defend his chances because of a flat tyre on the Oude Kwaremont.

“Like almost every year the Taaienberg is a crucial point in the race,” explained the unfortunate Lotto-Belisol rider. “That’s why I was riding in front and I felt very good. On the way up to the Paterberg I let myself be pushed aside by Sagan for a moment, so I was too far behind. On the Oude Kwaremont I was in the chasing group, but already in the first part of the climb I felt my front tyre was going flat. I saw rider after rider passing me by and then you immediately know that the race is over. Since the cars almost can’t pass by I kept on riding till the end of the climb, where I got a new front wheel from a mechanic. I have to admit that I couldn’t have followed an unleashed Cancellara, but on the Oude Kwaremont I certainly could have stayed in the Boonen group. The result is definitely disappointing, but I got confirmation that the shape is still good.”