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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCjbvAB6ztI[/youtube] What a stunning video of powerful performance from the best classic riders in the world. Cancellara hits 1.450 watts on the Muur to gap Tom Boonen on his way to victory in the 2010 Ronde van Vlaanderen. Thanks for putting the video together Mike / mikecotty.co.uk

When Dominique Rollin soloed to victory after a 7.5-hour slog through heavy rain and wind on stage 6 of the 2008 Amgen Tour of California, one couldn’t help but think the French Canadian was a man for the classics. After the California performance, Rollin later told, “The cobbles would suit me. When I was riding for Vélo Club Roubaix I was happy to be there and riding the cobbles, because Paris-Roubaix would be the ultimate race for me. I love those long, hard days on the bike, where the strongest man always wins.” After a 2009 season spent familiarizing himself with new races, riders, teammates and staff, Rollin was called up to Cervélo’s classics team this year. After his fifth place at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, and forty-second place (5,43 min.) at Tour of Flanders last weekend, Rollin has added a stronger base and motivation before his dream-race, Paris-Roubaix, on Sunday. But first, Wednesday he’ll return to Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen, where he took third last year — his best result of his ProTour debut season. Follow Cervélo TestTeam: www.cervelo.com Photo: TDWsport.com

Cervélo TestTeam riders Heinrich Haussler and Andreas Klier announced Monday, at the team press conference,  that they will be forced to skip the legendary spring classics due to health problems.

With Heinrich Haussler and Andreas Klier sidelined by injury, Thor Hushovd will head to this weekend’s Tour of Flanders as the sole leader of Cervélo TestTeam. Hushovd said that although Paris-Roubaix remains his major Classics goal, he’ll still target a strong result in Tour of Flanders.

“I’d rather be good on Sunday because then I know my form is there for Roubaix, but we’ll see what happens,” Hushovd said shortly after the Cervélo press conference.

by Lieselot Decroix

For some cyclists, travelling around the world from one race to another is one of the disadvantages of the job. For me, however, travelling is a big advantage of being a cyclist. You race in different places and you see different parts of the world.

Every time I have to pack my suitcase for a race, I am excited to go again! But since Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, I’ve spent almost a month in Belgium. Yes, an entire month in my home country! And being at home doesn’t mean peace and quiet, but a hectic life. I go training, and before or after training I go to university or I study.

What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was a favorite for the Classics. At the start of Flanders the race announcers called my name as I made my way to the sign in. People cheered my name as if I was a gladiator heading into battle, I had great legs. I felt amazing and I finished second. Second! This year I won’t even have the chance to finish Flanders.