Driedaagse van De Panne , the last run before "Tour of Flanders" of coming Sunday, 'began today with a 199 km stage from Middelkerke to Zottegem which was reached after a 110 km loop, followed by two 44.5 kilometres circuits in the Flemish Ardennes, with a total of 12  hills, including three times Berendries and Leberg.

Enjoying at last spring like weather, the riders clocked 50 kilometres within the first hour. It was thus nearly impossible to break away from the peloton, however, six riders made it after some 70 kilometres.

Passing for the first at Zottegem, they had 5' on the peloton, where a 30-wheel group of pursuers left the main peloton with 70 kilometres to go. This group had reached the initial leaders, their followers having lost all chances for today.

On the last ascent at Berendries, the leading group exploded, Frederik Willems attacking alone. The winner of E3-Prijs, Filippo Pozzato (Team Katusha) succeeded to catch him, and they continued together till the finish, Pozzato taking the stage ahead of Willems. Robbie finished in the pack and was classified 72th.

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