70th Gent-Wevelgem Favorites

The 2008 parcours

The 70th running of the Belgian semi-classic Gent-Wevelgem will feature an all-star lineup of contenders, many of them fresh off riding the Tour of Flanders. A flatter, more sprinter friendly race, Gent-Wevelgem has been won in the past by Thor Hushovd, Tom Boonen, Mario Cipollini and Sean Kelly. The much-feared Kemmelberg climb and descent will be featured again, the same climb that claimed Jimmy Casper and others last year.

The Kemmelberg is a tough and dangerous descent, as seen here

The contenders for the 2008 version are many, headlined by "Tornado" Tom himself, who will be keen to go for the win ahead of Paris-Roubaix. Whether Boonen will go all out is up for debate, as he may instead choose to save himself or the "Hell of the North." The lime green Liquigas team will bring their sprinter, Francesco Chicci, to contest the win, and "Ale-Jet," Alessandro Petacchi, will represent the Milram team if the race finishes in a sprint.

Chicci has a good finishing kick, and is riding good form

Other fast finishers that could make a good result include Thor Hushovd, fresh off an attack-filled Tour of Flanders. Hushovd wasn't happy with his result in Flanders, but Gent-Wevelgem is much better suited to Hushovd's talents. He should be at the front towards the end of the race looking for a win.

Casper was laid low in last year's Gent race

Australia is well-represented at Gent as well, with fast men Robbie McEwen, Baden Cooke and Greame Brown representing the land down under. Finally, JJ Haedo, the lightening-fast CSC sprinter, will try to net his first semi-classic for the Danish team. Also on hand will be track specialist and sprinter Mark Cavendish. "Cav" is riding well curently, and will do his all to take the semi-classic win for High Road and clean cycling. If Cavendish isn't up to the task, the young German Gerald Ciolek will be ready to take over leadership duties.

Cavendish is a favorite for Gent-Wevelgem after winning two stages in last week's Three Days of De Panne stage race in Belgium

Gent-Wevelgem, a great one day race, is also a good barometer for who will have a good chance in Parix-Roubaix on Sunday. Expect Boonen, Hincapie, Serguei Ivanov, and Juan Antonio Flecha to put in some hard work at the front before dropping back in anticipation of Roubaix. However, if the opportunity presents itself, any of the above riders could walk away with the win as well.