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On the start line of De Panne

By Cycling News

published 30 March 2010

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.