Belgian paper Het Laatse Nieuws queried past winners of Paris-Roubaix to ascertain their thoughts for the 104th edition.
Andrei Tchmil won in 1994, and his opionion is, "I'm certain that Boonen will win. If another rider takes the victory than it will be because Boonen had a technical problem. He is not twice but ten times stronger than all the others nowadays."
Tchmil's podium: 1. Tom Boonen, 2. Thor Hushovd, 3. Leif Hoste
Franco Ballerini, winner of the 1995 and 1998 editions of the Hell of the North said, "Quick.Step will be the team to beat again. They have Boonen of course. He is the most logical candidate, but they shouldn't forget about Pozzato. He is in marvellous form. Other teams have got individual talents: Hushovd, Hincapie, Hoste, Weseman maybe."
Ballerini's podium: 1. Tom Boonen, 2. George Hincapie, 3. Thor Hushovd
Jean-Marie Wampers, the 1998 winner, said, "With the same legs as he had in the Ronde, no-one will beat Tom. His most important competition will be Tom Boonen himself and his bike. The finale will be coloured blue and white, so also with Discovery and Hincapie; he's the only one who can beat Boonen. George is made for Paris-Roubaix."
Wampers' podium: 1. Tom Boonen, 2. George Hincapie, 3. Filippo Pozzato
