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Age catches up with everyone eventually. Even if he isn't the strongest any more he still has the nous and the sprint to win big races. I'm not sure Het Volk was indicative of anything other than EQS need to work on their tactical cohesion.
As a fan though, I want the best riders at the big races and Boonen's absence is disappointing for both Flanders and Roubaix.
andyp
Personally don't think Boonen has got the legs any more anyway.
If you asked me to pick my top five most likely winners for Flanders and Roubaix, I don't think a fit Boonen would be in there this year.
This is the first year in three years he's had a decent prep for the Classics and he couldn't match Stannard with the help of two team mates. Tactical mistakes or not, he didn't look as strong.
Phenomenal (and really stylish) rider at his peak and his 2012 Roubaix win was up there with one of the best for me, but his best days look to be behind him now.