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The Cobbles of Belgium
The roads of Belgium and Northern France are famous for the bone jarring cobbled sections of narrow roadways that criss-cross the farmlands of the countryside. These roads have long been the stage for most of the fable Spring Classics of the Professional Cycling season. Today's opener of the spring calendar in the north of Europe, was first animated by a break away of seven riders (one having punctured early on), included in the group was Michael Reihs (Cult Energy), Louis Verhelst (Cofidis), Albert Timmer (Giant-Alpecin), Alexis Gougeard (AG2R) and Christophe Laborie (Bretagne Seche). They are storming across the cobble section known as Kaperij, one of 11 sections of pave. At this point the septet have built up a nearly five minute advantage on the Team Sky lead peloton.