I read in Procycling news today that Koppenburg wasnt going to be a part of Flanders this year.

Anyone know if this is true? I couldnt find anything on the web about it.

I know it is a riskuy climbs but it sure makes the race a bit more entertaining.

Thanks

Yup.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=78041&highlight=flanders

The koppenberg is being replaced by the Eikenmolen which comes at a far more tactical point in the race, 11km from the Muur. But its a weaker average gradient @ 5.9% with a max gradient of 12.5%. It's a shame because i enjoyed the peloton walking over it last year :D
Here are a few pictures of the new hill during at training ride with Serge Baguet and Peter Van Petegem.

sorry about the small picture here it is at its original size

thanks

Is anyone willing to make a prediction yet or is it too early to tell?

Luck usually has a big say, but it's hard to go against Boonen, especially with his ability to sprint. If Cancellara can get up the hills, he'll have a chance. Bettini also seems motivated although he hasn't faired well on the cobbles. If Hoste can get far enough away from Boonen near the end, he might step up.

Here's a link to the details of the parcours, the Koppenberg has been left out due to worsening "road" conditions, the "Foreest" and the "Steenberg" have been left out too due to roadworks. By including the Kluisberg, Knokteberg, Kortekeer and Eikenmolen the RVV has 18 climbs this year, one more than the '06 edition.

http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/2007/eng/parcours/index.html

Luck usually has a big say, but it's hard to go against Boonen, especially with his ability to sprint. If Cancellara can get up the hills, he'll have a chance. Bettini also seems motivated although he hasn't faired well on the cobbles. If Hoste can get far enough away from Boonen near the end, he might step up.


Hoste and or Boonen is a good bet. I think I will bet on Boonen. Anything from late Feb-April that is one day long, you pretty much have to bet on Boonen.

I know its early but Flanders is my favorite race. Personally, I'd love to see Weseman win again, but I'd also like to have Laetitia Casta magically appear right . . . now . . . dang, nothing.

Maybe Bettini because he wants it pretty bad, other than that I think it might be an Italian's year DiLuca or someone, hard to tell this early in the season I don't even know many of the pro's schedules. Or maybe a suprise like Wegmann or a repeat by Backstedt.

Hoste and or Boonen is a good bet. I think I will bet on Boonen. Anything from late Feb-April that is one day long, you pretty much have to bet on Boonen.

Going out on a limb....
I think Fabian Cancellera could contend.

Is anyone willing to make a prediction yet or is it too early to tell?

Alessandro Ballan on the top step of the box.

Here's a link to the details of the parcours, the Koppenberg has been left out due to worsening "road" conditions, the "Foreest" and the "Steenberg" have been left out too due to roadworks. By including the Kluisberg, Knokteberg, Kortekeer and Eikenmolen the RVV has 18 climbs this year, one more than the '06 edition.

http://www.rondevanvlaanderen.be/2007/eng/parcours/index.html

I remember the Knokteberg from the 2002 edition of 'de ronde' and matty white (USPS) riding like a demon for big george. it snaps at the legs in the middle section, but i must admit i've never seen the Kortekeer in action.
Im hoping to get on tour for it via Graham Baxters sports tour!!