We are still enraptured by the extraordinary duel between Van Aert , Van der Poel and Pogacar , but we are already ready to dive into another legendary northern race.

After the E3 Harelbeke , comes the Gent-Wevelgem , a classic which, historically, is more suited to fast runners. The route presents less difficulty from an altitude point of view than the E3, but also the Dwaars and above all the Ronde Van Vlaanderen which will arrive next Wednesday and Sunday. The wind and the distance (260 km), however, could play a role that shouldn't be underestimated and the pace at which all the races are tackled will make the selection: probably a sprint in small ranks.  

However, one of the number favorites remains Wout Van Aert , with the Jumbo Visma which can also count on a fast and quality rider like Kooji and on Laporte (who did not appear very brilliant at the E3).  

The number rival of the Belgian, Mathieu Van der Poel , will not be there, given that Alpecin Deceuninck will focus on Jasper Philipsen , a multifaceted sprinter in great condition in this period (He won the Brugge-De Panne last Wednesday).  

Among the candidates for victory is the other Belgian Tim Merlier , with Soudal Quick Step who can also count on a Lampaert in condition and Ballerini (we'll see if the Wolfpack can play well as a team this time).  

Also watch out for Mads Pedersen , the favorite in a race like this, as well as Biniam Girmay , winner last year (but lackluster at the start of the season), the expert Alexander Kristoff and the brilliant Garcia Cortina .  

Groupama FDJ counts on a sprinter looking for redemption, Arnaud Démare , but also has Kung in the team, always in the front row in these classics.  

The same goes for Filippo Ganna , with Team Ineos not being the favourites, but they can field other talented riders like Turner and Sheffield .  

Among the pure sprinters, eyes are on De Lie , Ewan , Groenewegen , Gaviria , Cavendish and Bennett , while among the possible outsiders there is the Italian Jonathan Milan , with Bahrain which can also count on a versatile rider like Matej Mohoric .

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency