By Gregor Brown in Deinze
Lampre's top sprinter Daniele Bennati has not been able to take the start of Gent-Wevelgem due to a stomach bug. The Italian was feeling so bad his team preferred not to make him race, even though he would have been one of the favourites for the victory.
On the same note, Team Milram seems to be uncertain as to the state of its leader Alessandro Petacchi. This spring, the Italian has not been able to display his superiority as in the last few years, and while 'Ale-Jet' is participating in the race, the team seems to have allowed his teammates freedom of choice concerning racing tactics. Especially Alessandro Cortinovis has reportedly been told to play his own cards if he can, which means Petacchi might not be considered a leader for this race.
