Cobblestones are back
The flemish classics season, with its spectacular bergs — short cobbled climbs—, is one of the most anticipated moments for cycling fans around the world. Although the most important of these races are held at the end of March and the beginning of April, this weekend we will already be able to enjoy the first of them: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, which constitute the Opening Weekend.
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad men - route and favorites
The men's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad presents a 207-kilometre route that includes 13 cobbled hills. In the last 20 kilometers, the duo Muur-Kapelmuur (1.2 km at 7%) / Bosberg (0.8 km at 6.5%) is expected to be decisive for the outcome of the race.
Favorites: Dylan Van Baarle (400), Christophe Laporte (800), Stefan Küng (1000), Kasper Asgreen (600), Greg Van Avermaet (400), Jasper Stuyven (600), Florian Sénéchal (400), Yves Lampaert (600), Anthony Turgis (400), Tiesj Benoot (400), Matteo Trentin (600), Oliver Naesen (200), Alexander Kristoff (800), Sep Vanmarcke (200), Victor Campenaerts (400), Thomas Pidcock (600) and Nils Politt (400) are some of the specialists that we can find on the startlist.
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad women - route and favorites
The route of the women's event totals 132 kilometers, with the entire final part identical to the layout of the men's race.
Favorites: Annemiek Van Vleuten (1200), Elisa Longo Borghini (1200), Elisa Balsamo (1200), Lotte Kopecky (1000), Lorena Wiebes (1200), Marta Bastianelli (800), Emma Norsgaard (1000), Floortje Mackaij (600), Cecile Uttrup Ludwig (1000), Anna Henderson (600), Maria Giulia Confalonieri (600) and Marlen Reusser (800) are some of the main favorites on the start list.
Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne - route and favorites
Sunday's race, in category 1.Pro, is less prestigious and less tough than Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, as it only includes 6 cobbled sectors. In addition, the final circuit is completely flat and can lead to regrouping. Last year this race came to a sprint finish.
Favorites: Fabio Jakobsen (800), Jasper Philipsen (1200), Christophe Laporte (800), Alexander Kristoff (800), Peter Sagan (800), Giacomo Nizzolo (600), Kasper Asgreen (600), Jasper Stuyven (600), Bryan Coquard (600), Matteo Trentin (600) or Matej Mohorič (800) are some of the cyclists who best adapt to the race.