Champion for the third time in his career last season, the Swiss superstar stands on the brink of a record-breaking third Ronde/Roubaix double after his victory at the Tour of Flanders last weekend. The Trek Factory Racing man was pushed hard for that victory – unlike in 2013 when he obliterated his rivals on Oude Kwaremont – however and Spartacus will no doubt be a marked man again in France.

Cancellara’s dramatic victory last season showed his experience, as he out-thought and out-sprinted Sep Vanmarcke in the Roubaix velodrome. And it was experience again which saw him win at the Ronde last weekend. The cobbles are no match for Cancellara, and the Ronde proved he has returned to peak form at the perfect time. He will be pushed close, but give him the slenderest of opportunities and you can bet Spartacus will seize it.