Viviani the go-to guy for Gent-Wevelgem as Gaviria's absence opens cobbled Classics doors

Elia Viviani wasn't meant to be here, but he's making the most of it now that he is. Parachuted into Belgium after Fernando Gaviria fractured his hand at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Italian won the Driedaagse De Panne on Wednesday and made himself Quick-Step Floors' go-to man for Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.

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Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is an NCTJ-trained journalist, and former deputy editor of Cyclingnews, who has seven years’ experience covering professional cycling. He has a modern languages degree from Durham University and has been able to put it to some use in what is a multi-lingual sport, with a particular focus on French and Spanish-speaking riders. Away from cycling, Patrick spends most of his time playing or watching other forms of sport - football, tennis, trail running, darts, to name a few, but he draws the line at rugby.