Photos from the start line in Middelkerke, Beligium
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(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
The Lotto riders head to the sign in. Could today be their day?(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Robbie Mcewen (Katusha)(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
David Millar is on form after winning a stage at Criterium International(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
When Saiz said he wasn't finished with cycling we weren't expecting this(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Philippe Gilbert's bike for Flanders(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Gorka Izagirre Insausti at the start(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) wrapped up in the cold conditions(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Bobbie Traksel (Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team)(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Sergueï Ivanov looks to the skies in search of some sun(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
HTC-Columbia prepare to role out(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Alessandro Ballan (BMC Racing Team)(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Daniele Bennati (Liquigas)(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Despite the poor weather the crowds turned out(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Allan Davis (Astana)(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Niko Eeckhout still looks fit and race-ready(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Euskaltel bikes in the team bus(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Garmin riders head to the start(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
With no Tom Boonen in the race Philippe Gilbert became the fans favourite(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Kenny Robert Van Hummel after finding out his team would not be at this year's Tour de France(Image credit: Daniel Benson)
Fans and riders alike braved grey conditions in Middelkerke, Belgium this morning for the start of the 2010 Three Days of De Panne-Koksijde. Cyclingnews was there to capture these images as the peloton prepared to set off on the 198 kilometre journey to Oudenaarde.
While a number of ProTour squads have forgone the Three Days, the race still boasts a formidable entry list. Tour of Flanders favourites Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) and Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) both donned their rain capes for what will be their final tune-up for this Sunday's major Belgian Classic.
After learning of their non-invitation to the Tour de France on Tuesday morning, Skil-Shimano and Vacansoleil were in a mood that matched the weather, but indicated to Cyclingnews that they respond on the road in their typically attacking fashion.
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