Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

They’re finally here…! The Northern Classics start once again for the Movistar Team (men and women) with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, which brings to all fans of good cycling the unmistakable smell of the big spring races. The parcours doesn’t change significantly from last year, which means: we’re in for a treat!

The 207km route feature twelve ascents, most of them on cobblestones, and nine other ‘kasseien’ on flatter roads. The toughest part of the course starts with 40km to go, as Molenberg splits everything before an endless succession of climbs, wind-exposed plains and big ‘rocks’.

With 17km to go, the favourites will tackle the two most famous ascents, and those decisive to the day’s result: the Kapelmuur and the Bosberg. If no clear selection is made there, a reduced bunch sprint awaits in Ninove; if it happens, the excruciating pursuit begins.

— A day later: Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne (Sunday 26th)