The 76th edition of Nokere Koerse (1.Pro, 16/03), will bring the riders this Wednesday from Deinze to Nokereberg (350m at 5,7%) in 189 kilometer with 27 cobble sections.
During the first 78 kilometer preceding the local laps in Nokere, the riders have to cover the Holleweg, the first cobble section after 26 kilometer, the Varent, the Tiegemberg and the Petegemberg. After a first passage on the finish line, the peloton will start four laps of 27.9 kilometer with seven cobble sections.
Belgian rider Tom Devriendt, who took three top ten finishes in the sprint this season, accompanies five of the six riders from last Sunday’s Tour of Drenthe. Next to Boy van Poppel (3rd in 2012 and 4th in 2019), the selection directed by Hilaire Van der Schueren and Frederik Veuchelen is composed of Barnabás Peák, who finished second in Hoogeveen, Gerben Thijssen, Kévin van Melsen and Julius Johansen.
« In our analysis of last season we noticed that we could make a progression in this third week of March, so that’s why our preparation to Nokere Koerse, the GP de Denain and the Bredene-Koksijde Classic received particular attention. All three races are difficult classics in which only a reduced peloton reaches the finish line. There are always teams who want to exploit the cobbles sections and hills or the passage through the Moeren on Friday. The good weather forecast can be favorable to a group sprint, which would be a perfect scenario for us in Nokere Koerse. Gerben Thijssen is our main leader, he will receive the support of other strong riders. I think about Barnabás Peák who finished second in Drenthe last week or Boy van Poppel, who already showed that he can finish on the podium in this race. »
Line up:
Tom Devriendt
Julius Johansen
Barnabas Peak
Gerben Thijssen
Kevin Van Melsen
Boy Van Poppel
Sports Directors:
Hilaire Van der Schueren
Frederik Veuchelen
