IL MAGNIFICO wins for the third time.

For the first time this season all the big names in the world of cycling are present, except for world champion Freire.

In spite of his wrapped wrist Niko Eeckhout launches an attack as soon as the start shot is given. After a 89 km race, his adventure comes to an end as he does not receive the help he had hoped for.

When Museeuw forms an echelon in the Moëres, the race finally explodes. In the front, a group of 21 cyclists is formed: Museeuw, Rodriguez, Cretskens, Knaven, McEwen, Gardeyn, Vierhouten, De Clercq, Zabel, Klier, Hincapie, Boonen, Van Dyck, Vansevenant, Van Hyfte, Hoffman, Nazon, Pencolé, Hunter, Hvastija and … Cipollini.

The young West-Fleming Gardeyn is thrown out in the shortest time. In the front of the race, a coalition of non-represented teams approaches up to 26". Pencolé, Rodriguez and Van Dyck accelerate and succeed in leaving their pursuers further behind.

After the downhill of Mount Kemmel, the escapees are joined by the Slovene Hvastija. On the treacherous disguised gradient between Kemmel and Wijtschate, the pursuers see the four cyclists pulling away slowly but surely.

Cipollini senses that something is up and reacts appropriately. Cycling into the teeth of the wind, mouth open, he starts the longest and hardest sprint of his career. Against all expectations, the Italian succeeds in bridging the gap.

In his turn, Hunter tries to rejoin the breakaway, yet his desperate attempt fails at 100 metres from the five escapees.

The battle begins somewhere on the frontier between Menin and Wevelgem. Hvastija reacts appropriately to the acceleration of Rodriguez. Hincapie does not succeed in shaking off Van Dyck who sets up the final sprint at somewhat 300 metres from the finish.

Cipollini and Rodriguez drop Van Dyck and just like in Milan - San Remo, the American champion has to accept Cipo’s victory.

RESULT: 193 participants of whom 85 are qualified

1) Mario Cipollini (ITA), 208 km in 4h 39', an average of 44 km 730m/h
2) Fred Rodriguez (USA)
3) George Hincapie (USA)
4) Hendrik Van Dyck
5) Martin Hvastija (SLOV) at 10"
6) Robert Hunter (SAF) at 1' 29"
7) Tom Boonen
8) Erik Zabel (GER)
9) Tristan Hoffman (NED)
10) Johan Museeuw

© Rudy Neve 2006