A versatile team with several cards to play will be at the start of the 80th edition.
Created in 1944 and known for its many cobbles, Nokere Koerse is one of the most popular Belgian one-day races of the spring. The 186.4km parcours gives a fair chance to both sprinters and Classics specialists, the latter being favoured by the many cobblestone sectors (27 this year) and small hills that come in quick succession, especially in the final part of the day.
Even if the fast men’s teams manage to keep things together before the flamme rouge, the finale can still bring a nice mix of contenders in the mix, as the last 800 meters average 4.5% - the perfect terrain for the explosive riders to make their move and launch a race-winning attack.
Our squad holds the record for the most victories this century at Nokere Koerse (six with five different riders) and will look to fight again for a good result this Wednesday with a seven-man team consisting of Alberto Dainese, Gil Gelders, Yves Lampaert, Warre Vangheluwe, neo-pro Jonathan Vervenne, and Devo riders Ceriel Desal and Stan Van Tricht.
Nokere Koerse has changed significantly in recent years, with a redesigned finale that now includes several cobbled sectors.
“This evolution has slightly shifted the nature of the race, and while it often still ends in a sprint, the tougher finale creates real opportunities for the attackers to avoid a bunch finish.”
“We have a fast finisher in Alberto Dainese, and if the race comes down to a sprint, he gives us a strong option. At the same time, we are also prepared to go on the attack, as our team includes several riders capable of doing this. It will be important to stay attentive in the finale and to take the initiative when the right moment comes”, explained Soudal Quick-Step sports director Kevin Hulsmans.
Photo credit: ©Szymon Gruchalsky / Getty Images
