It's that time of the season that cycling fanatics have been waiting for. The Ronde van Vlaanderen takes place this Sunday, 5th April. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung are excited and eager to be participating in this 2nd Monument of the year, Belgium's most prized sporting event. 
 

The 265km course will again include 19 Hellingens, including the famed Koppenberg and 2 ascents of the infamous Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg climbs. With a number of separate cobble sections thrown in for good measure as well as all of the world’s best classics riders starting in peak condition, we are all set for an exciting spectacle.

Unfortunately Edvald Boasson Hagen will not take to the start for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung after breaking his collarbone at the Gent-Wevelgem but the 8 gladiators chosen to battle it out on Sunday will be led by Gerald Ciolek. Complementing the team will be Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Tyler Farrar, Matt Goss, Youcef Reguigui, Jay Thomson, Matt Brammeier and Andy Stauff.

"The Tour of Flanders is probably my favourite race in the whole world and it is the ultimate Flemish classic. It has everything in it, cobblestones, the short steep climbs, small roads and sometimes bad weather. It is pity we will be missing Eddy tomorrow but we have a strong team still and we are looking forward to a great race," Farrar said.

"I love this race. Everything about it is awesome, the fans here in Belgium are cycling mad and it should be another great day to be on the bike tomorrow. As a team we definitely have a goal in mind for this race and we will ride towards it," van Rensburg said.