Brabantse Pijl
Gilbert, the defending champion, was the main favourite for the race. As well as his 2014 victory, he had won the race in 2010 and 2011; he also won the 2012 world championships road race, which was raced on a very similar course. Gilbert had demonstrated good form by coming third the previous week in the Brabantse Pijl. Several other former champions took part in 2014: Kreuziger (), Enrico Gasparotto (), Damiano Cunego (), Fränk Schleck (), Stefan Schumacher and Davide Rebellin (both ).