The Franco-Belge, a 4 day race on the border between Belgium and France. It’s mostly flat, last year Robbie McEwen won two stages and the overall. The other stages were won by Sutton and Veelers. Though the course itself isn’t very hard, rain and wind can make things really interesting.

Stage one

The 166 km between la Louvière and Rekkem are mostly flat, only some smaller hills in the beginning of the race.

Stage two

Stage two (Antoing – Poperinge) is a bit harder. The riders will have to climb the Rodeberg and Vidaigneberg four times in the finale. You may know these hills from Gent-Wevelgem.

Stage three

Stage three between Péruwelz and Ichtegem couldn’t possibly be any flatter. The hardest climb of the day is the Tiegemberg. Any pro can do that one at 45km/h. Did I mention this stage was flat?

Stage four

Stage four (Mons - Tournai) looks more interesting. The riders have to climb a real col three times! The col I’m talking about, is the Col de la Croix Jubaru, one of broerie’s favourite training climbs.

It’s the only ‘official’ col in Belgium that isn’t situated in the Ardennes. Unfortunately it isn’t all that hard and there’s 10km between the top of the last ascent and the finish.

Stage four is the only stage that will be live on tv. You know where to find a stream.

The startlist? As can be expected, lots of sprinters: Greipel, Blythe, Nizzolo, Kittel, Swift, Bouhanni, Bos, Guardini, Appolonio, Van Hummel, Van Asbroeck, Chicchi, Fenn, Petit, Haussler, Kruopis,…

Official site – Roadbook – Live ticker