E3 Harelbeke 2015: Favourites

E3 Harelbeke is held nine days before the Tour of Flanders and with a similar parcours of shirt hills and cobbles it is no wonder contenders are alike. Cyclingstage.com brings you the favourites for victory in the E3. (Slideshow route/profile)

Niki Terpstra
For the second year in a row Terpstra took the overall in Qatar. So the title-holder in Paris-Roubaix and Dwars door Vlaanderen is ready to roll in 2015.

Peter Sagan
The 25-year old Slovak outsprinted his fellow-escapees Terpstra and Thomas last year. Should bring his new team Tinkoff-Saxo classic-wins. Showed good form in Milan-San Remo but is still waiting for his first Monument.

Zdenek Stybar
The Czech took the Strade Bianche by besting Van Avermaet and Sagan in a thrilling finale. Multiple world-champion cyclo-cross, so the cobbles are natural to him.

Fabian Cancellara
Three victories in the E3 Harelbeke to his name. For the Swiss, it is important to drop fast men such as Degenkolb and Sagan in time, since a sprint is not his forte.

Geraint Thomas
The 28-year-old Briton is earning himself a name as a classic rider. Last year, he finished third. His teammate Wiggins decided not participate meaning Thomas will the main rider for the Sky squad.

Greg Van Avermaet
Always good, but hardly any victories until last year. In 2014 he took the Wall of Geraardsbergen stage in the 2014 Eneco Tour and that broke the spell. Recently he won the Arezzo-stage in the Tirreno-Adriatico.

Sep Vanmarcke
Another home-rider with huge potential. The 26-year old Vanmarcke has been racing strong in the cobbled classics in recent years, now it is time to harvest.

John Degenkolb
Showed in Dubai his strength on short steep hills when he took a stage with a top-finish on a 17% ramp. Not afraid on cobblestones either, just look at his second place in Paris-Roubaix 2014. Boasting with confidence after his win in Milan-San Remo.

Alexander Kristoff
Norwegian powerhouse feels at home in the classics. Showed good form in February, blazing to three stage victories in windy Qatar.