How the Race Was Won: 2014 Tour of Flanders

Nice recap – however, regarding the wind in the final run in. The best position was in fact on the right side barrier. The wind coming out of the right is completely blocked by the spectators and barrier. This gives the rider shelter all the way to the line, regardless of what the other sprinters do. On the other hand, had he taken the left-side barrier, the wind coming from the right and blowing across the road requires the BMC rider to be sheltered by the other riders. If those riders move out of position, OR if the BMC rider wants to edge forward, he must fight the wind ahead. In addition, the wind blowing across the road is hitting the left side barrier and working back in the other direction. Though he didn’t have the power to win the sprint, he took the best shelter on the right side.