2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, four prosperous years for the Quick Step team. Four editions of the Tour of Flanders have been clinched by the Blue and Whites, including two that saw their star leader Tom Boonen shine. A leader crowned with two victories in the famous “Ronde” (2005, 2006) and two successes on the challenging cobbles of Paris-Roubaix (2005, 2008). These feats that the Belgian owes of course to striking talent, but largely to a formidable team success. The green jersey of the 2005 Tour de France does not build its brilliant achievements on a stroke of luck or an individual feat. The Quick Step recipe is a balanced team with riders who complement each other and who are capable of winning in turn.
Devolder at the Summit
Indeed, Tom Boonen failed in his quest for a third victory in the famous Flanders Classic this year, but Quick Step is more dominant than ever. His compatriot and teammate Stijn Devolder stole the spotlight. Like Boonen, he was expected to perform. However, unlike the former, isolated and closely marked by a stunning Filippo Pozzato, the Belgian time-trial champion showed his cunning and audacity. The climb of the Grammont wall allowed the winner of the Tour of Belgium and of the Algarve 2008 to establish a decisive lead. He thus clinched his second consecutive success on the bumpy cobbles of the Ronde. In this unforgiving classic, the tactical choices of the queen of classics team once again hit the mark. Beyond physical superiority, this 93rd edition shows that combining talents and personal ambitions coexist to make a team shine.
Chavanel to Confirm
Stijn Devolder’s double in the Ronde is tinged with a French touch. Since his arrival at Quick Step, Sylvain Chavanel, currently the most attractive French rider, has turned into an exemplary teammate. Serene and almost imperturbable under his helmet, the former Cofidis rider has stepped up a level. He was already known as capable of imposing himself on the classics. The Brabantse Pijl and Across Flanders in 2008 were breakthroughs. He is now a dedicated and exemplary rider for his leaders Tom Boonen or Stijn Devolder. The latter made good use of the ground work done by his team, led by a spirited Chavanel. But the best French rider in 2008 still has everything to prove in this type of classic.
It is up to him to confirm this freshness at the semi-classic Ghent-Wevelgem which will take place on Wednesday, and to master the demanding cobbles of Paris-Roubaix four days later.
Paris-Roubaix: The Way Forward
Quick Step has already made an impression at the start of the classics season. Rival teams on the circuit have received a lesson in team success. The Cervelo team, the only formation potentially capable of countering the Belgian strategy, has taken note for the next Paris-Roubaix beginning on April 12. Led by Germany’s Heinrich Haussler and Norway’s Thor Hushovd, second and third at Milan San Remo this year, the Swiss team seems capable of escaping the trap laid by “Hell of the North.” Italian Katusha rider Filippo Pozzatto, who has not won a classic since 2006, is a challenger. Nevertheless, Quick Step remains the best-equipped team to play leading roles. Boonen will be on track for a third success on the muddy and tricky cobbles of the North. Alongside him, Sylvain Chavanel, in his third participation, will be eager to erase his past poor performances. Out of time in 2000 and 52nd in 2001. Confirmation is awaited on Sunday!
By Benjamin Charollais
