Filippo Pozzato, Alessandro Ballan and Thor Hushovd are favourites for the Paris-Roubaix, Tom Boonen
Tom Boonen of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step is definitely amongst the favourites for the 2012 version of the Paris-Roubaix 2012.
The cyclist however believes that Thor Hushovd, Filippo Pozzato and Alessandro Ballan are all very strong contenders to challenge him during the race.
He explained, "Just like Sep Vanmarcke, I expect Vansummeren too. There's only one way Johan can win, and that is by going from far out".
“Pozzato surprised me after his broken collarbone. I expected him not to be good at all but it turns out he's great. Pozzato is like me on the cobblestones. He's explosive whereas a man like Ballan excels in longer parts”.
"Flecha will be good too. He was already good at Flanders after only one race. If he wants to do something at the Spring Classics it's now," he concluded.
Tom has previously won the race on three different occasions and is currently eyeing to match the record of his compatriot Roger De Vlaeminck.
Roger succeeded during the 1972, 1974, 1975 and 1977 editions and holds the honour of claiming the most wins at the event.
Boonen bagged the 2005, 2008 and 2009 versions of the race and is hoping to claim the top podium spot at this year’s race.
The Belgian is a clear favourite for the coming race and his first place finish during the Tour of Flanders, E3 Harelbeke and Gent-Wevelgem has boosted his confidence for the French event.
The most recent winner of the race, Johan Vansummeren of Team Garmin- Barracuda is also hoping for his second consecutive win at the race.
Second place finisher at the Scheldeprijs 2012, Tyler Farrar also briefed that he will fully support his team leader Johan Vansummeren to ensure that his team retains the top podium spot.
The 110th edition of the Paris-Roubaix is scheduled on 8th of April, which will test the cyclist through a gruelling 257.7 kilometre, through the difficult parcours of the race.
Total number Of 25 teams will be tested at the contest which will include all the 18 World Tour sides along with 7 Wild card entries.
Team Argos-Shimano, Team Bretagne-Schuller, Team Cofidis, Team Farnese Vini-Selle Italia, Team Saur-Sojasun, Team Europcar and Team NetApp, all have been invited through the wild card entry.
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