#atoc still a bit droopy at the Nevada City start. Start is set for 12:25 Pacific ...

Omega's Philipe Gilbert is the dark-horse favorite for many at this year's Ronde

As defending champion and the big favorite, Fabian Cancellara also has the most pressure in his shoulders.

Boonen in Brugge: said rivalry w/Cancellara is good for sport,good for him. "I've never been so calm" for De Ronde

The ramp to sign-in in Deinze was a logjam in the final minutes before the start.

A surprise 2nd place at Ghent-Wevelgem last year, Garmin's Sep Vanmarcke signed autographs along the start ramp

Rabobank's Lars Boom is one of the favorites at Ghent-Wevelgem.

BMC's Marcus Burghardt won Ghent-Wevelgem in 2007; his teammate George Hincapie won it in 2001.

UCI president Pat McQuaid was at the start in Deinze for this WorldTour event.

This is American Ted King's first Ghent-Wevelgem; he's riding in support of Liquigas teammate Peter Sagan.

No doubt, world champion Thor Hushovd is one of the day’s big favorites. Here's a shot of him at sign-in.

After sign-in Cancellara took time to shake hands with a fan in a wheelchair and posed with him for a few photos

Miss Belgium posed in front of E3 Harelbeke’s controversial race poster, which sponsor KBC felt was "too risque"

Oddsmakers lined the start area, accepting wagers.

Photo of Haussler at the start line

Wearing race no.1 as defending champion, Fabian Cancellara was awarded his weight (91 kilos/200 pounds) in wine.

#ATOC, Landis at sign in this morning in Rancho Bernardo. Pic by Neal Rogers.

#ATOC the stage 8 start in Rancho Bernardo

#ATOC Leipheimer on his way to the starthouse.

#ATOC, Leipheimer on course. Photo by David Kessler