Photo by Teocalli
Potentially one for Wiscot here – 1977 saw Roger de Vlaeminck win from Freddy Maertens. Both punctured on the Koppenberg but Maertens received a wheel from a spectator and was then pushed the remainder of the way up the cobbles. They then caught back up with Merckx before dropping him with 70 Km to go. De Vlaeminck then sat on Maertens’ wheel for the final 70 Km before riding away from him in the final run in. De Vlaeminck was booed off the podium though there was a claim he knew Maertens would be DQ for an illegal wheel change. As it was Maertens and Planckaert were both disqualified after testing for positive for Amphetamines. Seems that the museum in Oudenaarde still have a grudge against Roger de Vlaeminck in the two cobbles in the lead photo despite the fact that officially there is no second and third place finisher for the 1977 event.
This weekend sees The Classics running from Antwerp to Oudenaarde with the Men riding 267 Km taking in many of the famous cobbled climbs culminating with Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg before the final run in to Oudenaarde. Details of the route and start list can be found here.
For the Femmes the route is 157 Km also culminating in the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg before their final run in to Oudenaarde. Details of the route here.
Chances of a bunch sprint in either are practically zero.