Most beautiful race of the year

“De Ronde is the most beautiful race of the year, at the same time being one of the most brutal. Normally after a full gas start in Bruges, the race tends to calm down on the procession out to Oudenaarde, where it’s time to get some lunch down and buckle up for a long day in the saddle. The second ascent of the Oude Kwaremont is where the race typically opens as the bunch anticipates the Paterberg, Koppenberg and Taiienberg, all coming in quick succession. At these points the bunch is whittled down as the big players show their cards and test each other out. Then it’s often the 3rd and last time Kwaremont that they will really drive the nail home. Or it’ll be the complete opposite this Sunday, as someone makes a play from far out, like Philippe Gilbert in 2017! The Ronde can serve up all kinds of scenarios. That’s what makes it such an awesome race. There really isn’t another race like it,” explains Bauer. 

The 37-year-old New Zealander will be leading the way to six debutant teammates, among them Swiss mountain bike specialist Filippo Colombo. Canadian Nick Zukowsky, who tested himself nicely this week on the breakaway at Dwars van Vlaanderen, will also line up for his maiden Tour de Flanders.