This is copied from a betting blog I write, so apologies for the betting references, there's no intention to encourage anyone here to bet.
I won't dwell on the vagaries of the course, full info can be , a site that is recommended reading for anyone wishing to gain greater knowledge of pro cycling.
264km of hard racing faces the starters, and getting to the finish is a test in itself. The forecast is for fair weather, which usually means a greater number of riders getting involved in the all important final 50km. The final cobbled climb takes the riders to the 13km to go mark, and most often the winner will be in a group who have gained a small advantage by now, although it is possible for a solo rider to go all the way from here.
As with most of these races, there are many riders with chances, and with aspirations, to win. There are a few stalwarts at the head of the betting, riders who do consistently well here, and who can be expected to do so again. Vanmarke, 5/1 with bet365, and Van Avermaet, 10/1 with Paddy Power, will make their presence felt; as will Stybar and Sagan, 8/1 and 9/1 respectively with Paddy Power. Sharing favouritism is Welshman Geraint Thomas, 11/2 with BetVictor and Coral, currently showing the best form of his career, and displaying all the attributes required to win such a race. I shall have a bet on G.T. just to be with him if he pulls it off, but I'd generally be searching for some bigger odds, and just looking for a bit of fun in the Each Way market. I could write down a long list of possibles for this, and I've had a couple of throwaway bets, with the intention of laying back on the exchanges if one of them should make it into a good position towards the business end. Kristoff and Dagenkolb are both here, and dangerous to overlook. I particularly like Paolini, still 100/1 with Coral, and well capable of making the cut. Van Baarle, 100/1 generally, is another who could feature prominently, as is Maarten Tjallingi, 500/1 with Paddy Power.
Stijn Devolder, 40/1 generally, and Jurgen Roelandts, 33/1 with BetVictor, are two very good riders in top form, and in the unusual position of being team leaders. Expect a bold show from each. If you're betting in running then you have to be featured within reach of the leaders with 50km to go; but be careful, lots of bike swaps go on, and wrong names are called in commentary from time to time. This really is a race to savour rather than to bet on, but I'll do both, so sit back and enjoy.
good luck.
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