April 11, 2004 – Swede Magnus Backstedt (Alessio-Bianchi) surprised them all by taking the race today over pre-race favourites like Johan Museeuw (Quick.Step) and Peter Van Petegem (Lotto-Domo), by outsprinting CSC's Tristan Hoffman and Brit Roger Hammond (MrBookmaker-Palmans).

Results:
1. Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Alessio-Bianchi
6.40.26 (39.11 km/h)
2. Tristan Hoffman (Ned) Team CSC
3. Roger Hammond (GBr) MrBookmaker-Palmans
4. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Fassa Bortolo
5. Johan Museeuw (Bel) Quick.Step-Davitamon 0.17
6. Peter Van Petegem (Bel) Lotto-Domo
7. Leon Van Bon (Ned) Lotto-Domo 0.29
8. George Hincapie (USA) US Postal Service presented by Berry Floor
9. Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick.Step-Davitamon
10. Frank Hoj (Den) Team CSC