Other main contenders were expected to be; Michele Bartoli (MG Maglificio–Technogym), Bjarne Riis (Team Telekom), Johan Museeuw (Mapei–GB), Peter van Petegem (TVM–Farm Frites), Erik Zabel (Team Telekom) and Rolf Sorensen (Rabobank).

[5] The race started at 10am local time with the weather being heavy cloud and a cool 9 degrees Celsius, there was a possibility for a light shower.

A small breakaway of three riders got away early they were John Talen (Foreldorado-Golff), Fabio Roscioli (Asics–CGA) and Frédéric Bessy (Casino).

Mauro Gianetti (Française des Jeux) and Laurent Roux (TVM–Farm Frites) attack over the Cauberg gaining 6 seconds over the rest of the bunch.

He had a front wheel puncture, and gave a rude gesture to his team manager for taking so long to change his tire.