Mathieu van der Poel leads Alpecin-Deceunink at Tour of Flanders, Soren Kragh Andersen to play key support role

Alpecin-Deceuninck have revealed the seven-rider lineup that will be racing the Tour of Flanders. It features Mathieu van der Poel as the leader as was expected, as the team looks to defend it's title on Flandrien roads.

Absent from the lineup is Quinten Hermans who put on strong performance at Dwars door Vlaanderen, as is Jasper Philipsen who finished fourth there. Mathieu van der Poel, winner of Milano-Sanremo, is the team leader. The Dutchman looked great in the cobbles at the E3 Saxo Classic where he rode to second place, and looks to revalidate his title.

The Dutchman won't be alone in this task as he has the support of Soren Kragh Andersen, who has found again his best form with the Belgian team and has been crucial for Alpecin's E3 strategy - which should be replicated here. The Dane finished ninth that day, but also fifth at Milano-Sanremo.

Gianni Vermeersch, 7th in 2021, will also be an important supporting rider for van der Poel. The lineup is completed by Silvan Dillier and Michael Gogl who are very experienced riders in the cobblestones, Xandro Meurisse and finally Maurice Ballerstedt.

Alpecin-Deceuninck for Tour of Flanders: Mathieu van der Poel, Soren Kragh Andersen, Gianni Vermeersch, Silvan Dillier, Michael Gogl, Maurice Ballerstedt and Xandro Meurisse.