The riders Sir Bradley Wiggins must beat to win

Last year’s winner could well be the leading contender for victory. The 30-year-old Dutchman won the Tour of Qatar in February and has since finished second in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders, which have collectively proven he has excellent form. A huge engine and an expert in long-range attacks, he will also be the outright leader of Etixx – Quick-Step in the absence of the injured Tom Boonen.