The 54th edition of the Belgian race takes place this week.
Le Samyn is not part of the World Tour calendar, but it always ends up being one of the most spectacular races of the season. The 209km-long course between Quaregnon and Dour has everything you could wish for from a one-day race: cobblestones, hills, and small and narrow roads – all coming in quick succession and all ingredients for an exciting day in Belgium.
Fresh off his impressive victory at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, where he delivered the team’s 44th win in a cobbled Classic, Fabio Jakobsen will be again in action. The Dutchman, who sits on five victories so far this season, will be joined by Czech ITT Champion Josef Cerny, Stijn Steels, Jannik Steimle, Bert Van Lerberghe, and neo-pros Stan Van Tricht and Ethan Vernon.
“All eyes will be on us Tuesday, as we have Fabio at the start, but at the same time we have some young or new guys who lack a bit of experience in the race, like Stan, Josef and Ethan. But we are confident, as we can count also on Bert, Stijn and Jannik, all making for a solid team, which will try to go for a good result. The course is the one we know, with some intense local circuits comprising short hills and cobblestones, but also some wind that could play an important role. The motivation is there and we will try our best”, said Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sports director Rik Van Slycke.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
Bert Van Lerberghe 
Josef Černý 