Chavanel a dark horse in Three Days of De Panne

Sylvain Chavanel spent some time off the front.

Sylvain Chavanel spent some time off the front. (Image credit: www.ispaphoto.com)

The Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde, a three-day stage race in coastal Flanders starting today, was not initially on his racing programme but Sylvain Chavanel opted to include it anyway. The Quick Step rider will be lining up as team leader in Middelkerke on Tuesday morning, and even if he said that he'd use the event more as training in view of the Tour of Flanders this week-end, the Frenchman could still be a favourite for the overall.