Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Baloise Belgium Tour 2024

Belgium is undoubtedly the country of the classics par excellence, but even so, some stage races are also held, such as the Baloise Belgium Tour taking place this week. The race, which this year reaches its 93rd edition, is the only stage race that travels through the three regions of the country, unlike the Tour de Wallonie, which only goes through the French-speaking region, and the Renewi Tour, which takes place in Flanders and the Netherlands.

Route

A 12 km time trial in Beringen will be the first of the five stages that make up the race. Of the other four racing days, it is worth highlighting the fourth stage, which with a circuit in the Ardennes that includes five climbs and which cyclists will have to complete five laps, will undoubtedly be where the general classification is decided. Stages 2, 3, and 5 seem destined for sprint finishes.

Favorites

Nine UCI WorldTeams will participate in the race, and it is among these teams where we should look for the favorites. Two days before the start of the race, however, the start list is still in its initial phase, but puncheurs such as Benoît Cosnefroy (400), Aurelien Paret-Peintre (400), and Quinten Hermans (400) stand out, as well as classic riders like Jasper Stuyven (400), Mike Teunissen (400), and Giani Vermeersch (200), sprinters like Jasper Philipsen (1200), Tim Merlier (800), and Olav Kooij (1000), and time trialists like Remi Cavagna (400), Dan Hoole (200), and Rune Herregodts (200).

In any case, we will need to pay attention to the confirmations and changes that will undoubtedly occur.

Photo: © Baloise Belgium Tour