I’m following the progress of three Classics specialists in 2012: BMC’s Philippe Gilbert, the top-ranked rider in the world last year, Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s former world champion and Tour de France green jersey winner Tom Boonen, and Garmin-Barracuda’s Koldo Fernandez. It’s fair to say it’s been a mixed bag overall. Here’s a quick summary of how their spring campaigns have gone so far.

Philippe Gilbert (BMC)

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Results: 48th at Strade Bianche. 31st in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. 87th in Milan-San Remo. 39th in Gent-Wevelgem. 75th in the Ronde Van Vlaanderen.

WorldTour ranking: Not ranked. Continue reading →