The organisers of Belgium’s biggest bike race, The Tour of Flanders, have announced the seven wild card teams that will join the 18 WorldTour teams on the start line: Bora-Argon18, Roompot, CCC Sprandi Polkowice, Topsport Vlaanderen, Wanty-Groupe Gobert, Southeast and Direct Energie.

"We are very proud to be among 25 teams, which have been invited to compete in this race. It’s a legendary event and we will do our best to put on great performance," said CCC Sprandi Polkowice director Piotr Wadecki. 

Roompot, Topsort and Wanty were all expected to make the cut after riding in 2015. As explained, CCC’s application is part of a new approach of targeting one-day races rather than stage events after an unsuccessful Giro debut in 2015.

Southeast will bring 2012 runner up Pippo Pozzato to the race, while Direct Energie will take 2011 second place rider Sylvain Chavanel.