the postrace press conference, Devolder stated that winning the Tour of Flanders was a dream come true. The Belgian champion spent four years with U.S. Postal Service, which morphed into Discovery Channel in 2005. During that time, Devolder acquired a reputation as a stage racer and a time trialist. Nothing in his background, except possibly his Belgian championship, pointed to a classic win.

Many of the riders in the Tour of Flanders will cross swords in Ghent-Wevelgem on Wednesday. Who will prosper? Check in at www.roadcycling.com and find out!